A key member of a large criminal organization involved in drug trafficking nationwide expressed despair on TikTok after being apprehended. Christina Rowlands lamented her situation in chat messages, stating she had been caught and that things were extremely challenging. She anticipated receiving an eight-year sentence but eventually faced a more severe punishment following her court appearance at Liverpool Crown Court.
Rowlands served as a trusted subordinate to drug lord Terence Clarke, who received a 14-year prison term in 2023. Alongside Clarke were Aaron Denham, 31, and Robert Seville, 28, who also participated in the criminal operations.
The arrests were made during a police inquiry into Clarke’s activities, as he managed county lines drug distribution networks across England and Wales under the pseudonym “SacredTruck” on the Encrochat encrypted platform. Despite the network breach in 2020, Clarke continued his drug dealings until his arrest in February 2023.
According to prosecutor Cheryl Mottram, Rowlands featured in Encrochat messages from Terence Clarke, identified as “the bird who helps us now.” Clarke directed associates to deliver significant drug quantities to Rowlands’ residence. Rowlands remained loyal to Clarke until her arrest and detention.
Rowlands, Clarke, and Seville were frequently seen together, with Seville visiting safehouses associated with Rowlands and Nicola Blood. Police raids on these locations uncovered substantial amounts of various drugs, leading to multiple arrests and seizures.
Despite her predicament, Rowlands continued to follow Clarke’s instructions, even arranging a video call with him while he was in custody. She was also involved in laundering around £84,000 through her bank accounts over a period of several months.
During the legal proceedings, Rowlands, Seville, and Denham each admitted to their roles in drug trafficking and money laundering. Rowlands, from Kensington, received a sentence of 10 years and six months, Seville was sentenced to eight years and eight months, and Denham, from Wavertree, was handed a six-year prison term.