Police issue major update after Cardiff teenagers arrested in Thailand

Four people have been charged in connection with a probe into how the two 17-year-olds ended up in the Southeast Asian country

Four people have been charged in connection with a probe into the arrest of two Cardiff children in Thailand. Two 17-year-olds were arrested in the Southeast Asian country in June, sparking a South Wales Police investigation into the circumstances which led to them travelling to the country.

On Thursday evening, the force confirmed five people had been arrested in connection with its ongoing investigation. Four were subsequently charged and are due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Friday, August 7.

A fifth man has been released on police bail. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

Those appearing in court are:

• Levi Mohamed, 20, of Butetown, Cardiff, who 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, who 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, who 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, who 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, was released on police bail.

The arrests took place in Cardiff and West Yorkshire on Wednesday, August 5. In a statement South Wales Police added: “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.”

They asked anyone with any information or concerns to contact them, quoting reference 2600200125, online here, by dialling 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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