Four people have been charged in connection with an investigation into the arrest of two 17-year-old boys from Cardiff in Thailand. The teenagers were arrested in the Southeast Asian country in June, prompting a South Wales Police inquiry into how they came to travel there.
Charges and court appearance
On Thursday evening, police confirmed that five people had been arrested in relation to the ongoing investigation. Four of them have been charged and are due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on Friday, August 7. A fifth man has been released on police bail.
The four charged are:
- Levi Mohamed, 20, of Butetown, Cardiff, 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, 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, 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, charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug.
Arrests and ongoing support
A 23-year-old man from Keighley, West Yorkshire, arrested on suspicion of improper importation of controlled drugs, has been released on police bail. The arrests took place in Cardiff and West Yorkshire on Wednesday, August 5.
In a statement, South Wales Police said: "Those charged are due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court tomorrow (Friday, August 7)." The force added: "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."
Police have asked anyone with information or concerns to contact them, quoting reference 2600200125, by dialling 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
