A British woman, Charlotte May Lee, aged 21, has been detained in Sri Lanka after customs authorities allegedly discovered 101 pounds (46 kg) of synthetic drugs known as kush hidden in her luggage. The seizure, which occurred at Bandaranaike Airport in Colombo, is noted as the largest of its kind in the airport’s history. Ms. Lee, a former flight attendant from south London, claims she was unaware of the drugs in her bags and suspects they were planted without her knowledge.
Following her arrest on May 12, Ms. Lee is currently being held in a prison near Colombo, in what she describes as challenging conditions, including sleeping on a concrete floor. Her lawyer, Sampath Perera, confirmed that they are providing her daily support as they navigate her legal situation. If she is found guilty of the drug charges, Ms. Lee could face up to 25 years in prison.
In her statements to the media, she recounted her travels, mentioning that she had been in Bangkok prior to her flight to Sri Lanka, where she seemed to believe the drugs might have been inserted into her luggage during her stay. As this case unfolds, it raises critical discussions surrounding drug trafficking issues and the potential for wrongful accusations in similar circumstances.
This case echo other incidents involving tourists unintentionally caught up in drug smuggling allegations, highlighting both the severity of drug laws in various countries and the importance of thorough awareness when traveling. As Charlotte May Lee awaits her fate, her case serves as a sobering reminder for travelers to stay vigilant and ensure their belongings are thoroughly checked.