A court in Swansea has heard how a brother and sister duo were making “banging wages” by selling cocaine. Chelsea Edwards and Joe Webber were involved in trafficking the Class A drug for nearly two years before their illegal activities were uncovered by the police. Despite acknowledging the siblings’ troubled pasts, the judge at Swansea Crown Court stated that he could not impose a suspended sentence due to the severity of the crimes.
The court was told that the police discovered 13 bags of cocaine hidden under the driver’s seat of a BMW car driven by Edwards during a stop in the Penlan area of Swansea. Subsequent searches at Edwards’ residence also uncovered drug paraphernalia. Messages found on her phone indicated a significant operation involving bulk messaging to customers and individual conversations discussing drug supply.
Webber, identified in messages as “Joe Bro” and “The Big Boss,” was arrested separately, where police found cocaine, phones, and cash in his possession. Both siblings pleaded guilty to charges related to cocaine supply and possession with intent to supply.
During the sentencing, the court learned about Edwards’ difficult upbringing and subsequent transformation, including starting a successful cleaning business. Webber’s lawyer highlighted his mental health issues and the breakdown of a relationship as contributing factors to his involvement in drugs.
Despite recognising the defendants’ backgrounds and Edwards’ positive changes, the judge sentenced them to prison terms of 29 months for Edwards and 31 months for Webber. They were informed that they would serve up to 40% of their sentences before being released on licence.
The judge expressed his disappointment at the two-year delay in the case coming to court, describing it as “inexcusable.” The court proceedings shed light on the dark world of drug trafficking and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.
South Wales Police were unable to provide custody photographs of the defendants. This case serves as a reminder of the dangers and consequences of involvement in illegal drug activities.