Drug dealers were forced to pay back more than £875,000 of dirty money last year.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary confiscated profits from 104 dealers. The single biggest amount was £152,000, from an address in St George.

Police found ecstasy, cocaine and amphetamines at the scene. A 46-year-old man was arrested and convicted, and in February he was ordered to pay back the whole amount. The seizures are made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Courts can order criminals to hand over any money or assets if they believe the offender has made money from criminal activity.

In drug investigations, bank statements and assets are examined to establish how much money has been made.

Assets up to the value of the benefit from the crime can be seized, and if money is not handed over, the prison sentence is extended and the debt remains. Some of the confiscated money goes to the police, and some goes to local communities.

This year £1,000 will help educate older and vulnerable residents in Portishead about the dangers of distraction burglaries.

A further £1,000 will host a dinner for elderly Portishead residents, raising awareness about safety. Other benefits include providing equipment and kit for local sports teams and producing information cards for child safety projects.

Dr Kirstie Cogram, the financial investigation unit manager said: "It is important criminals realise crime doesn't pay.

"When people are convicted for drugs offences this is not the end of it as we will then go to the courts to seize their assets.

"Criminals can no longer complete prison terms knowing that their profits are waiting for them when they come out.

"It is not just big sums of money we confiscate – street dealers will often be made to hand over £100 which, while it is not a lot of money, represents everything they have.

"It sends a strong message that we will not allow people to profit through drugs."