A Coventry drug lord known as 'Big Wolf', who built a multi-million pound cocaine empire, has been ordered to repay a minuscule fraction of his illicit gains after being jailed for nearly 15 years.
The Cocaine Empire of 'Big Wolf'
Steven Woolridge, 40, operated under the alias 'Mr Wolf' or 'Big Wolf' and was described by authorities as the mastermind who orchestrated large-scale cocaine supply throughout the West Midlands. His criminal enterprise generated a staggering criminal benefit of £12,056,000.
Woolridge coordinated a sophisticated operation using vans to transport hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from locations in London and Bedfordshire into the West Midlands. He also served as a crucial conduit between UK dealers and international criminal organisations, facilitating the flow of drugs and money across borders.
Justice Served: Prison Sentences and Confiscation
Earlier this year, Woolridge was sentenced to 14 years and eight months in prison for his leading role in the drug network. He became the eleventh member of the criminal group to be imprisoned, with the total jail time handed to all involved exceeding 100 years.
In a recent Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, the court heard that despite his multi-million pound criminal benefit, Woolridge's recoverable assets amounted to just £8,864.65. He was ordered to repay this amount within three months or face an additional three months in prison.
The Co-Conspirator's Fate
Fellow supplier Joe Whyley, also 40, received an eight-year, three-month prison sentence for his managerial role in facilitating the supply of 40 kilograms of cocaine. Although not considered the owner of the drugs, Whyley benefited by £44,960 from his criminal activities.
The court ordered Whyley to repay just £760.03 from his criminal benefit figure, highlighting the challenge authorities face in recovering illegal profits even when successful convictions are secured.
The case demonstrates both the scale of organised crime operations in the UK and the difficulties in seizing criminal assets, even when perpetrators receive substantial prison sentences.
