In June, South Wales Police was made aware that two 17-year-olds from Cardiff had been arrested in Thailand.
South Wales Police commenced an investigation into the circumstances which led to the children travelling to Thailand.
As a result of the investigation, which is on-going, we can confirm:
- Levi Mohamed, 20, of Butetown, Cardiff, has been charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug and four counts of conspiring to arrange the travel of another with a view to exploitation.
- Patrick O’Driscoll, 30, of Caerau, Cardiff, has been charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug, four counts of conspiring to arrange the travel of another with a view to exploitation, and possession of a firearm.
- Gareth Press, 42, of Ely, Cardiff has been charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug and two counts of conspiring to arrange the travel of another with a view to exploitation.
- Ffion Bowes-Cavanagh Hooley, 24, of Caerau, Cardiff, has been charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug.
- A 23-year-old man from Keighley, West Yorkshire, arrested on suspicion of improper importation of controlled drugs is on police bail.
The arrest phase of the investigation took place in Cardiff and West Yorkshire on Wednesday, August 5.
Those charged are due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Friday, August 7).
The children remain in custody in Thailand where they are being supported by their families and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The families have been updated regarding the arrests and charges.
We understand this continues to be a concerning time for them and wider community.
Anyone with information or with concerns is asked is contact South Wales Police quoting 2600200125.
- Contact us online via https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo
- 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
