A man who lived a lavish lifestyle funded by producing and selling anabolic steroids has been jailed for more than three years.
Paul Veness, who was stopped in a Lamborghini with a personalised number plate, now faces the loss of luxury items and a large sum of cash in confiscation proceedings.
Sussex Police said: “A man who used three separate sites in East Sussex to produce, store and supply anabolic steroids has been jailed.
“Paul Veness, 43, was stopped in his Lamborghini Urus by officers in Eastbourne on Thursday 28 September 2023 and arrested on suspicion of money laundering.
“He was wearing a Rolex watch worth approximately £34,000, and had £4,000 cash and a diamond ring worth £25,000 in the vehicle.
“The same day, police executed search warrants at three separate sites linked to Veness – the farm he owned and lived at in Hailsham Road, Polegate, a second address he owned in West Terrace, Eastbourne, and a storage container in his name in Edison Road, Eastbourne.
“A significant quantity of pills and clear bottles containing liquid – found to be anabolic steroids and other prescription medication – were discovered, as well as comprehensive production equipment and associated packaging.
“These items were seized, along with the Lamborghini, Rolex, diamond ring and cash totalling more than £300,000 as an investigation was carried out.
“Veness was subsequently arrested and charged with the production of anabolic steroids, possession with intent to supply a controlled class C drug, being concerned in the supply of a class C drug and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.”
Veness pleaded guilty to all offences and, at Lewes Crown Court on Monday 14 October, Judge Mark Van Der Zwart jailed him for 38 months in total.
The investigating officer, Detective Constable Jim Austin, said: “The properties associated with Veness were clearly adapted to produce and supply illegal drugs in order to fund his lavish lifestyle.
“His high-value possessions – including super car, luxury watch and designer clothing – suggest he generated significant income from his criminality.
“This case demonstrates that we will continue to investigate illegal drug supply and money laundering offences, and anyone caught committing offences can expect to face the full force of the law.
“I’d like to thank the numerous staff and officers involved in this complex investigation, including those from the Tactical Enforcement Unit and Specialist Enforcement Unit, Digital Investigation Support Unit, Economic Crime Unit and Community Investigations Team.
“While this is a positive result, our work into further alleged offences in this case continues.”
The investigation was known as Operation Law or Op Law.
Sussex Police added: “The items seized will be subject to Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearings in due course.
“Four further suspects were arrested in connection with the investigation and remain on bail, pending further inquiries.”
