Two drug dealers packaged their product in ‘Dior’ parcels before their £500,000 operation came crashing down. Police raided the home of Carolyn Knowles, 46, in August 2021.
Officers found three locked toolboxes and a digital safe which contained packages of cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and cannabis, as well as mixing agents and drug paraphernalia. Knowles was out at the time but when she arrived at her home she was arrested.
When mobile phones were seized and analysed, it was found how she had been supplying drugs to her friends, with messages also connecting her to 49-year-old Christopher Atkinson.
Pictures released by police showed the drugs concealed in designer packaging such as Dior, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Substances were dealt to customers across Wigan, Greater Manchester Police said.
A further warrant was carried out at Atkinson’s home in September 2021 when a number of items were seized, including small amounts of drugs and mobile phones.
Further messages linked the two suspects. A review of the phones proved Atkinson was using Knowles’ home to prepare and store drugs. He also supplied drugs to Knowles and paid her for the arrangement.
The estimated street value of the drugs was between £493,277 and £647,208.
Atkinson, of Jackfield Way, Skelmersdale, was jailed for seven years and four months after pleading guilty to conspiring to supply class A, class B and class C drugs, and possession of LSD and amphetamines.
Knowles, of Argyll Street, Newton, Wigan, was jailed for five years for conspiring to supply cocaine.
Detective Inspector Carla Deighton, of GMP’s Wigan Challenger team, said: “This investigation and subsequent sentences demonstrate our commitment to taking drugs and dealers off the streets of Greater Manchester.
“We will continue to pursue those who engage in such criminal activities across Greater Manchester.
“Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.”
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