Four people have been charged following an ongoing South Wales Police investigation into the circumstances surrounding two Cardiff teenagers who were arrested in Thailand.
In June, South Wales Police was made aware that two 17 year olds from Cardiff had been arrested in Thailand. The force subsequently launched an investigation into the circumstances which led to the children travelling to the country.
Following enquiries, police have charged four people.
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, who was arrested on suspicion of improper importation of controlled drugs, has been released 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 today (Friday, August 7).
The investigation remains ongoing.
The two children remain in custody in Thailand, where they are being supported by their families and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
South Wales Police said the families of the children have been updated regarding the arrests and charges.
The force added: “We understand this continues to be a concerning time for them and wider community.”
Anyone with information or concerns is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting reference 2600200125.
