Three men from Cardiff have appeared in court accused of trafficking two 17-year-old boys to Thailand as part of an alleged international drug-running operation. Prosecutors allege the teenagers were used as drug couriers before being arrested in Thailand after around 64kg (141lb) of cannabis was reportedly discovered concealed inside their luggage. Levi Coomansingh, 20, of Butetown, Patrick O’Driscoll, 30, of Caerau, and Gareth Press, 42, of Ely, appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Friday. They face a series of charges arising from an investigation involving South Wales Police and authorities overseas.
Teenagers remain detained in Thailand
The court heard allegations that the two boys travelled to Thailand earlier this summer and were subsequently intercepted by Thai authorities as they attempted to return to the UK. Security officers are alleged to have discovered 141lb of cannabis concealed in their suitcases. The teenagers remain detained in Thailand, while their families are receiving support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as their welfare and legal circumstances are monitored. The allegations have resulted in an international investigation spanning the UK and Thailand.
Men face drug importation and exploitation charges
Coomansingh, O’Driscoll and Press face charges including conspiracy to evade the prohibition on importing Class B drugs and conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation. O’Driscoll also faces an additional firearm possession charge. Press faces two counts relating to allegedly arranging travel for exploitation. A fourth defendant, Ffion Bowes-Cavanagh Hooley, 24, of Caerau, has been charged with conspiracy to import drugs and concealing criminal property. She has been released on conditional bail. Police have also confirmed that a 23-year-old man from Keighley, West Yorkshire, was separately arrested on suspicion of the improper importation of controlled drugs. He remains on police bail.
Case sent to Crown Court
Coomansingh, O’Driscoll and Press were remanded in custody following their appearance at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court. Their cases have been sent to Cardiff Crown Court, where they are due to appear on September 4. Hooley is also due to appear at the Crown Court on the same date while remaining on conditional bail. South Wales Police’s investigation remains ongoing, with enquiries involving multiple jurisdictions. As criminal proceedings are active, the allegations against the defendants have not been proven and they are entitled to a fair trial.
