Both men arrested on drug charges following Cardiff deaths kept in custody

They are awaiting Crown Court trials next month


Two men have been charged in connection with the drug-related deaths that happened in Cardiff this weekend and are being remanded in custody until their trial.

The two arrests are not related, but follow the death of an 18-year-old female Cardiff student who was found collapsed in her halls on Saturday night and a 25-year-old man who collapsed in Taff Street, Tongwynlais on Sunday, November 15th.

Emergency services attended Talybont halls and the 18-year-old was taken to hospital but died on Wednesday.

23-year-old Lanoi Lidell was arrested following this and charged with offering to supply ketamine and cocaine on 15th November 2020, offering to supply ketamine and MDMA between 31st October and 9th November 2020, supplying MDMA and supplying ketamine.

After his appearance at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court yesterday he was remanded in custody (refused bail) and remains so until his trial at Cardiff Crown court next month.

A 31-year-old man was also arrested and charged with drug offences following the death of the 25-year-old man. Richard Julian Rees, from Pentrebane, was with “being concerned in the supply of cocaine”, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and possession of cannabis.

He appeared in Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was also remanded in custody until his seperate Crown Court hearing in December.

South Wales Police have issued an urgent drug warning following the deaths: “Users of controlled drugs are once again reminded that they should be aware that they can never be 100% sure of exactly what they are taking. These drugs are illegal and there is every possibility that they may contain a cocktail of toxic ingredients.”

Detective Inspector Grant Wilson, from South Wales Police, said: “Two families have been left heartbroken by the death of two much-loved young adults and they are being supported while we continue with our enquiries.

“SWP detectives are continuing to working hard to establish the exact circumstances and would appeal for anyone with information to please contact us.

“The arrests and charges should send a message that South Wales Police take a firm approach to drug supply and it will not be tolerated.

“We once again remind anyone taking or thinking of taking controlled drugs to consider the risks – they are illegal, they can never be sure what they are consuming and they may contain a fatal cocktail of toxic ingredients.”

Witnesses or anyone with information in relation to either incident is asked to please contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence *414468.

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