Two members of the "TQ" county line team, who flooded Warrington with crack cocaine and heroin, have been jailed.
An investigation was launched into Remell Da Silva, 21, and Angela Williams, 36, after detectives became aware of two mobile numbers advertising the sale of Class A drugs to users in Warrington. Da Silva, of Lindale Avenue, Manchester, was quickly identified as the controller of the county line and was responsible for sending daily "flare" messages to sell his supply.
Whereas Williams, of Stringer Crescent, Warrington, acted as a street dealer and allowed Da Silva to orchestrate his drug operation from her home. Police raided Williams’ home at around 2.10pm on Thursday, July 6, resulting in the arrest of Da Silva and Williams on suspicion of drug offences.
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During the warrant, officers recovered a graft phone, believed to be the one used by the team, with messages evidencing the sale of illegal drugs. A list of drug dealers and drug paraphernalia, such as scales, was also recovered from the home.
Upon arrest, Da Silva was found in possession of a large quantity of cash. The pair were subsequently charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine, heroin).
Da Silva was also charged with possession of criminal property.
The gang members were sentenced to a total of over six years in prison after their appearance at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, January 2. Da Silva was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
Williams was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison.
Detective Inspector Rob Balfour, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Da Silva and Williams thought that they could get away with bringing crack cocaine and heroin into Warrington, but they were wrong. I welcome the sentences handed to them, and I hope this sends a clear message that county lines activity has no place in the town.
“We are doing all we can to stop drug activity on our streets to make our county a safer place to live and visit while also making it extremely difficult for these gangs to operate. We will always act on any information about drug activity provided to us and would urge anyone who believes this activity is happening near to them, to please contact Cheshire Police.”
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in their area can report it to Cheshire Police via the Cheshire Police website or report it to Crimestoppers via the Crimestoppers website.
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