Colchester family who sold cannabis baked goods to pay £50k

Twin brothers and their mother who were convicted of making cannabis baked goods have been ordered to pay more than £50,000 by a court.Bradley and Brendan Vidovic, both 25, as well as Paula Vidovic, all of Straight Road, Colchester, Essex, were sentenced in 2022 for various charges including being concerned in the supply of cannabis.Essex Police said people were sent a "menu" of products, including cannabis cookies and gummy bear sweets.At Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, the family were ordered to pay thousands within three months - or risk prison sentences.
According to the court, Bradley Vidovic benefited from £48,190.99 through the drug dealing business.He was ordered to pay back £27,514.32 within three months or risk a 12-month prison sentence.Brendan Vidovic benefited from £60,563.35 through the business and was ordered to pay back £10,291.12 within three months, or risk a six-month jail sentence.Paula Vidovic benefitted from £28,149.81 and was ordered to pay £15,400.91 or risk a nine-month prison sentence.She was also ordered to pay £1,000 is prosecution costs, as first reported by Colchester Gazette.
Essex Police initially began investigating the family when officers found cannabis, a small knife and £200 in cash in Bradley Vidovic's car in Nelson Road, Colchester, in July 2021.The force later seized more than £12,000 worth of cannabis and said the business turned over an estimated £400,000 in 16 months.
'Set hours'
Police said the brothers had left legitimate employment to focus on their criminal activities and had set hours five days a week, while taking Wednesdays and Sundays off.Paula Vidovic baked the cannabis products, the force said, and profits from the business passed between their three bank accounts.Bradley Vidovic was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cannabis; of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property; possession with intent to supply cannabis; possession of a knife blade/sharp article in a public place; and obstructing an authorised person in the exercise of a Section 23 power to detain/search a vehicle or person/vessel regarding drugs.Brendan Vidovic was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cannabis; of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property; possession with intent to supply cannabis; and conspiring to enter into/concerned in the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property.They were both sentenced to two years and six months in prison.Paula Vidovic was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cannabis; of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property; and conspiring to enter into/concerned in, the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property.She was given a 21-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.Essex Police has been approached for comment.
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