Two Manchester sisters who built a lucrative county lines drug operation saw their criminal enterprise collapse after they couldn't resist boasting about their illicit lifestyle on TikTok.
Cherish Adu, 24, and her younger sister Chelsea, 22, operated under the brand name 'TrapStar' while coordinating a sophisticated drug network that stretched from Manchester to coastal towns. Their operation came crashing down when police discovered their social media posts flaunting cash and luxury items.
The Digital Trail That Led to Their Downfall
Investigators from Greater Manchester Police's dedicated county lines team uncovered the sisters' online presence, which featured videos of them handling large amounts of cash and making explicit references to their drug dealing activities. The digital evidence proved crucial in building the case against them.
Detective Constable Joseph Miskell of GMP's Operation Vulcan stated: "The sisters were heavily involved in the day-to-day running of this drugs line and were brazen in their approach, even posting videos of themselves on social media with the cash they made from dealing."
A Sophisticated Criminal Operation
The investigation revealed the sisters managed multiple aspects of the drug line:
- Controlling the dedicated mobile phone used for drug orders
- Arranging deliveries to addicts across multiple regions
- Managing the financial proceeds from their illegal trade
- Recruiting and directing runners to distribute substances
Police surveillance captured the sisters actively participating in drug transactions, with both women seen handling the business phone and coordinating the movement of illegal substances.
Justice Served at Manchester Crown Court
At Manchester Crown Court, both sisters pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Cherish received a three-year prison sentence, while Chelsea was sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars.
DC Miskell emphasized the significance of the case: "This was a fantastic result for the team and should serve as a stark warning to anyone involved in this kind of criminality. We are committed to tackling county lines and will use all available resources to bring those responsible to justice."
The successful prosecution forms part of Greater Manchester Police's ongoing efforts to dismantle county lines operations that exploit vulnerable individuals and bring violence and addiction to communities across the region.
