Swansea siblings, Chelsea Edwards and Joe Webber, have been sentenced to prison for trafficking cocaine over a period of nearly two years, a court in Swansea heard. The judge remarked on the siblings’ troubled upbringing and criticised the two-year delay in bringing charges against them. Despite acknowledging their difficult backgrounds, the judge stated that he could not pass a suspended sentence. The prosecution revealed that the police discovered 13 bags of cocaine hidden in a car driven by Edwards in March 2022, leading to her arrest. Subsequent searches uncovered drug paraphernalia and incriminating messages on her phones.
During the investigation, messages were found discussing cocaine supply and prices, with one message signed off by Edwards as “Enjoy your weekend you filthy animals.” Conversations with a contact listed as “Joe Bro” revealed discussions about drug trafficking and profits. Webber, also known as Joe Bro, was later arrested with cocaine and cash in his possession. Both siblings pleaded guilty to supply and possession of cocaine with intent to sell.
Edwards, with a history of convictions, had reportedly turned her life around since the offenses. Webber, who suffered from mental health issues, resorted to drug use as a coping mechanism. The judge, while acknowledging their troubled pasts and drug habits, issued prison sentences of 29 months for Edwards and 31 months for Webber. He emphasised that the siblings would serve a significant portion of their sentences before being released on license.
The court noted the delay in the case coming to trial as “inexcusable.” The prosecution highlighted the significant financial gain expected by the siblings from their drug operation. The defence lawyers presented the defendants’ troubled backgrounds and efforts to rehabilitate themselves. Despite the circumstances, the judge ruled out suspended sentences due to the sentencing guidelines. The siblings were remorseful and expressed their will to change. Their criminal activities came to an end following their arrests, and they are now focused on leading law-abiding lives.