TWO cousins locked up for drug offences must pay back more than £30,000 they are deemed to have benefited from through their dealing.

Wayne Chapman, 29, was jailed for three years and his 20-year-old cousin, Lee Chapman, was sent to a young offenders' institution for 12 months at Durham Crown Court, last December.

The pair, both of Wingate, County Durham, admitted four counts each of possession of class A drugs, with intent to supply.

All the offences, involving either cocaine or Ecstasy, date back to December 2002.

Following their conviction and sentencing, Durham Police's economic crime unit has sought to recover assets and cash by which the pair are believed to have benefited from their drug dealing.

Geoff Hunter made an application under the Drug Trafficking Act to Judge Tony Briggs at the court yesterday.

Submissions were made for Wayne Chapman, by barrister Paul Currer, and on behalf of Lee, by Rachel Hedworth.

Judge Briggs ruled that Wayne, of Newholme Estate, benefited by £15,557, and Lee, of North Road East, by £14,801.

He ordered Wayne, who remains behind bars, to pay the money back in instalments of £1,197 per month, while Lee, who is now out of custody on licence, to pay back the entire £14,801 within 12 months.

In default of payment, both will receive an extra 12-months on their sentences.