A convicted narcotics dealer, who had over half-a-billion Jamaican dollars in assets forfeited to the Crown, has lost his bid to retain them.

Yesterday (November 11) the Court of Appeal ruled against Andrew Hamilton in his application for leave of appeal and stay of execution.

Hamilton was convicted on narcotics charges in the United States in 2014.

In handing down the judgement yesterday, the court refused the application and also ruled that costs to the respondent should be agreed upon, or taxed.

In reacting to the ruling, Principal Director of Investigations in the Financial Investigations Division, Keith Darien noted that the Agency will continue to do what is necessary to challenge persons who obtain property through unlawful means.