VIDEO: Ringleader of multi-million pound cocaine ring must only pay back £450,000 in ill-gotten gains

But Richard Brookhouse, formerly of Coronation Avenue, Grappenhall, must pay back the sum within three months or face four more years in prison.

Brookhouse, who is currently serving 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to his part in the conspiracy in February 2014, had benefited by £21,330,000, a court ruled.

But enquiries revealed that a small chunk of this was collectable.

Pictured: Richard Brookhouse

During the hearing, Brookhouse tried to convince Judge Nicholas Woodward that he played a minor role in the conspiracy and he was invited by a friend into the £100 million cocaine ring.

Brookhouse, 47, told the court he facilitated a meeting between Carl Wall and Andrew Wilde - who are both currently serving lengthy stints in custody for their role in the drugs plot.

In return Brookhouse, who was already serving a 22-years prison sentence for a previous drugs plot, claimed he would be paid £500 for each kilo of cocaine imported into the country.

Brookhouse said he benefitted to the tune of £32,500 and this money was spent on himself and his family.

He denied having any hidden assets. Click here for more from the hearing.

But Judge Woodward dismissed these claims during the proceeds of crime act hearing, adding that Brookhouse’s account was not credible.

This view was based on the prosecution’s case which showed the defendant in secret meetings with key conspirators as well as other forms of communication.

Sue Robert, a senior lawyer from the Proceeds of Crime Branch of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Richard Brookhouse was the ringleader and controlling mind behind a well-established organised crime group that imported and distributed half a tonne of cocaine in just 18 months.

“The gang were jailed for a total of 247 years, including Brookhouse’s wife who helped to run her husband’s ‘business’ while he was serving a previous sentence for drug trafficking.

“Key members of the gang lived the high life on the back of their criminality, with fast cars, foreign travel, designer clothes and expensive watches.  But the law caught up with them and the Crown is now clawing back their ill-gotten gains.

“Recovering the proceeds of crime is difficult as criminals often hide their assets and won’t co-operate even though they can be sent back to prison if they don’t.

“Nevertheless, no stone is left unturned to make sure we recover whatever money is available and a house owned by one of the gang has already been sold.”

Other major players in the conspiracy have also been ordered to pay back their ill-gotten gains with 19 conspirators handed court orders.

Carl Wall, from Liverpool, must pay £165,582 of the £2m he benefited from while Andrew Wilde from Pertington must pay £302,150 of the £21,330,000 he benefited or face three and half years and fours years in prison, respectively.

It was agreed that Brookhouse's wife Diane would have to pay back £1,090 of the £75,000 figure she is believed to have enjoyed by helping to run her husband's drugs importation plot.

Pictured: Diane Brookhouse

Cars, jewellery and equity from property has also been recovered from a number of those involved. 

Pictured: 10 members of the drugs gangs