Two individuals, Tremaine Jeanne and Jessica Sani, both 28, have appeared in court in connection with an alleged international drug ring that used two 17-year-olds as drug couriers. The charges include drug offenses and conspiring to arrange travel with a view to exploitation.
It is alleged that the two teenagers were apprehended in Thailand in June with 64 kilograms (141 pounds) of cannabis in their suitcases while attempting to return to the United Kingdom. The teenagers, from Cardiff, remain in custody and are receiving support from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Their families have been informed of the arrests and charges.
Jeanne, from Llanrumney, and Sani, from Newport, face charges of conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug and four counts of conspiring to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation. They appeared via video link at Cardiff Magistrates' Court, where they confirmed their personal details but did not enter pleas. Both were remanded in custody.
South Wales Police launched an investigation into the circumstances of the teenagers' trip after being notified of their arrest in June. Four other individuals also appeared in connection with the case, and a 23-year-old man from Keighley, West Yorkshire, arrested on suspicion of improper importation of controlled drugs, has been bailed.
Jeanne and Sani are scheduled to next appear with their co-accused at Cardiff Crown Court on September 4.