A Maryport couple has been sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after being found guilty of supplying cocaine and cannabis in the Workington area. Shaun Rafferty, 44, and Chloe Rafferty, 32, both residents of Kirkby Street, Maryport, appeared in court on March 3 following convictions related to multiple drug offences.
The charges against the couple included possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine), possession with intent to supply Class B drugs (cannabis), and being concerned in the supply of both cocaine and cannabis.
Shaun Rafferty received a prison sentence of two years and eight months, while his partner Chloe Rafferty was handed a 24-month suspended sentence.
The case followed a police raid on April 17, 2023, when officers executed a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at the couple’s home in Far Moss, Workington. During the search, officers discovered 21.5 grams of cocaine packaged in plastic bags, eight street deals of cocaine, cannabis hidden in a kitchen cupboard, drug paraphernalia including scales and snap bags, and a large sum of cash.
Both Shaun and Chloe Rafferty were arrested immediately, and their mobile phones were seized for further investigation.
Forensic analysis of the seized mobile phones revealed clear evidence of their involvement in drug dealing. The investigation uncovered messages offering cocaine and cannabis for sale, discussions about drug pricing, threats related to unpaid drug debts, and financial transactions linked to drug deals.
Detective Constable Ben Wright from Cumberland CID issued a strong warning regarding the case, stating, “Drug supply is a blight on our community that must be addressed. This conviction sends a clear message that anyone who chooses to supply drugs will be pursued and brought to justice.” He also urged local residents to report any suspicious drug activity to help keep their communities safe.
Originally published by UKNIP.
