A 21-year-old woman from Cornwall is one of eleven individuals charged in connection with the seizure of over half a tonne of cannabis at Birmingham Airport. The significant drug haul, with an estimated street value of £13.8 million, was discovered packed into 22 suitcases by Border Force officers in August 2024. All passengers involved had travelled from Thailand, with a transit stop in Paris.
Key Takeaways
- Eleven people have been charged as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.
- Over 510 kilograms of cannabis were seized at Birmingham Airport.
- The drugs had a potential UK street value of £13.8 million.
- All individuals involved had travelled from Thailand via Paris.
The Investigation and Charges
The National Crime Agency led the investigation into the attempted importation of the Class B drug. Tasia Nelson, aged 21, from Newquay, Cornwall, faces charges related to being knowingly concerned in the importation of 86.74 kg of cannabis with intent to evade prohibition. Her specific charge details her involvement on August 9, 2024, at Birmingham Airport.
Individuals Charged
Alongside Tasia Nelson, ten other individuals have been charged. Their ages range from 21 to 35. The charged individuals are:
- Ryan Boachie (born 08/01/1994) of Edmonton, north London
- Jaden Ramen (born 08/06/2003) of Colliers Wood, south London
- Lewis Ross (born 15/10/1990) of Bolton, Lancashire
- Bradley Lloyd (born 04/10/1998) of Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester
- Clare McCullogh (born 20/01/1990) of Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester
- Paige Cheri Crisp (born 07/10/2001) of Malvern, Worcestershire
- Nathan Vitorino (born 02/02/2000) of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
- Jamal Clarke (born 28/04/2004) of Queensway, Birmingham
- Gideon Olumoyegun (born 09/05/2000) of Dagenham
- Carsten Kyei (born 11/09/2004) of Newham, east London
Court Proceedings
Nine of the accused, including Tasia Nelson, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 31. They were granted bail and are scheduled to appear next at Birmingham Crown Court on November 28, 2025. Clare McCullogh’s hearing was adjourned to December 5, 2025. Bradley Lloyd failed to appear in court, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest.
Ongoing Investigation
In addition to the charges, six men suspected of orchestrating the drug smuggling attempt are currently under investigation. Five of these individuals were arrested in Luton and Finchley on October 23, 2024. The NCA has stated that the investigation remains active and is continuing. The agency highlighted the significant profit potential for organised crime gangs had the drugs gone undetected and urged the public to report any information regarding drug smuggling through UK ports and airports.
Sources
- Cornwall woman charged over Birmingham Airport drugs seized, Falmouth Packet.
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Cornwall Woman Among 11 Charged in £13.8 Million Birmingham Airport Drug Bust