British men accused of trafficking teens to Thailand as drug couriers, court told

Three men are accused of trafficking teenagers to Thailand as part of an international drug ring, a court has heard.

Levi Coomansingh, Patrick O'Driscoll and Gareth Press are charged with drug offences and conspiring to arrange the travel of another with a view to exploitation.

Cardiff Magistrates' Court heard on Friday that the men are accused of using two teenage boys as drug couriers, after the youths were allegedly caught carrying 64kg (141lb) of cannabis "concealed within their suitcases" while trying to travel back to the UK.

The two 17-year-olds from Cardiff were arrested in Thailand in June and remain in custody, where they are being supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Nicholas Evans, prosecuting, said the investigation into an "organised criminal network" operating between the UK and Thailand had culminated in the arrests of the men earlier this week.

The three men appeared in the dock together and spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses. They were not asked to enter pleas.

All three are charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug.

In addition, Coomansingh, 20, of Angelina Street, Cardiff, is charged with four counts of conspiring to arrange the travel of another with a view to exploitation.

O'Driscoll, 30, of Clos Y Rhiw, Cardiff, is also charged with four counts of the same charge as well as possession of a firearm.

Press, 42, of Wheatley Road, Cardiff, is charged with two counts of conspiring to arrange the travel of another with a view to exploitation.

Ffion Bowes-Cavanagh Hooley, 24, of Clos Y Rhiw, Cardiff, also appeared in court charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug.

All four will appear at Cardiff Crown Court on 4 September.

Coomansingh, O'Driscoll and Press were remanded in custody, while Bowes-Cavanagh Hooley was released on conditional bail.

A fifth man, a 23-year-old from Keighley, West Yorkshire, who was arrested on suspicion of improper importation of controlled drugs, remains on police bail.

In June, South Wales Police was made aware that two teenagers had been arrested in Thailand and launched an investigation into the "circumstances" behind their trip.

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: "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."