A 21-year-old British woman, Charlotte May Lee from South London, could face up to 25 years in prison after being arrested at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 101 pounds (46 kg) of a dangerous synthetic drug known as kush—a substance reportedly made with human bones.
Lee, a former flight attendant, denies the charges, claiming the drugs were planted in her luggage without her knowledge. Her lawyer, Sampath Perera, stated that she is in contact with her family while detained in a prison north of Colombo.
Largest Kush Seizure in Airport History
Sri Lankan customs officials described the bust as the largest kush seizure ever recorded at the airport, with an estimated street value of $3.3 million. Photos released by authorities showed multiple bags filled with the drug.
What Is Kush?
Kush, a deadly synthetic drug originating in West Africa, has been linked to numerous fatalities, with reports suggesting it kills around a dozen people per week in Sierra Leone alone. Disturbingly, one of its alleged ingredients is ground human bones, leading to reports of grave robberies in Sierra Leone to supply its production.
The drug is particularly popular among young men and has been known to cause sudden collapses, extreme drowsiness, and even fatal accidents, such as users stumbling into traffic. While the exact role of human bones in the drug remains unclear, some speculate that the sulfur content may enhance its psychoactive effects.
Due to its devastating impact, Sierra Leone’s president declared a national emergency last year over kush abuse.
Lee’s Claims of Innocence
"I had never seen them [the drugs] before," she said. "They must have planted it then. I know who did it."
Lee, who was traveling after her Thai visa was about to expire, said she did not recheck her luggage before departure. Since her arrest, she has reportedly endured harsh prison conditions, including sleeping on a concrete floor.
Sri Lanka’s Crackdown on Drug Trafficking
A senior customs official told the BBC that Lee was arrested based on profiling, following a recent case involving another British tourist detained in Georgia for similar charges. The official noted a sharp rise in drug smuggling via Bangkok, calling it a "real nuisance."
If convicted, Lee could spend decades in prison, marking a severe escalation in Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat international drug trafficking.
