Two women caught with £7,500 worth of drugs in Staffordshire have walked free from jail after receiving suspended sentences. Stacey Culvin, 40, and Sharnie Price, 31, both from Rugeley, were arrested on November 19, 2024, during a countywide police operation targeting drug supply.
The pair were found supplying cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis across Staffordshire. Culvin was discovered in possession of cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis, while Price had cocaine and cannabis. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized was around £7,500.
Both women later admitted their involvement in drug supply at Stafford Crown Court in January. Despite the serious nature of the charges, neither received a custodial sentence. Culvin was given a 24-month prison sentence suspended for two years and also admitted to possession of criminal property. Price received a 13-month suspended sentence, suspended for 18 months.
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said, “Stacey Culvin, 40, from Rugeley, was searched by proactive officers on November 19. We found cocaine, ketamine and cannabis. On the same day, officers searched Sharnie Price, 31, and found cocaine and cannabis. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized was believed to be around £7,500.”
The arrests form part of a wider campaign launched in May 2023 aimed at tackling gangs responsible for high-harm offences. Staffordshire’s major and organised crime teams have made over 1,000 arrests related to drugs and weapons since the campaign began.
“Officers from our dedicated major and organised crime teams are working hard every day to tackle the gangs responsible for high harm offences in our communities,” the spokesperson added.
The suspended sentences have sparked controversy, with some critics arguing the punishment is too lenient for those supplying dangerous drugs across the county. Others support rehabilitative approaches for non-violent offenders. No further court action is expected, but both Culvin and Price will be subject to conditions attached to their suspended sentences.
Originally published by UKNIP.
