Eleanor Storey

Three Cardiff men are accused of recruiting or using two 17-year-olds as couriers in an international cannabis-smuggling operation between Thailand and the UK. The teenagers were allegedly arrested in Thailand while carrying 64kg of cannabis hidden in their suitcases and remain in custody with family and Foreign and Commonwealth Office support. Levi Coomansingh, Patrick O’Driscoll and Gareth Press were charged with drug-importation conspiracy and arranging travel for exploitation; O’Driscoll also faces a firearm charge. Ffion Bowes-Cavanagh Hooley faces separate charges and was granted conditional bail. The three men were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on September 4.