Charlotte May Lee was arrested after police allegedly found £1.2 million worth of Kush in her luggage, as ITV News’ Barnaby Papadopulos reports
A 21-year-old woman from South London has appeared in court in Sri Lanka over drug-related offences.
Charlotte May Lee was arrested at the country’s main international airport in May after police allegedly found £1.2 million worth of Kush – a type of cannabis – in her luggage, with customs describing it as their largest drug seizure to date.
Lee had been travelling from Thailand, and insists the drugs were planted. The former flight attendant could face 25 years in prison if found guilty.
Sampath Perera, Lee’s lawyer, told ITV News that she is “not emotionally perfect”, but added that she is trying her “very best” given the circumstances.
Charlotte May Lee arrived at the Negombo Magistrate’s Court on Friday
He said that her family is being “very supportive” and “cooperative”, while being in “big pain” over her arrest.
Mr Perera said he hasn’t heard from the Foreign Office about support for Lee.
He is unaware whether Lee’s family have been in contact with the British government.
ITV News has approached the Foreign Office for comment.
Arriving at the Negombo Magistrates Court on Friday, Lee could be see wearing a white dress, with two police officers by her side. The court heard that critical evidence, including forensic analysis, has not yet been submitted.
Lee has not been formally indicted. The Attorney General’s department will only file charges in the High Court once all reports, including forensic analysis, have been submitted in court.
Last week, she told the MailOnline that she had “never” seen the drugs that were in her suitcase.
“I didn’t expect it all when they pulled me over at the airport. I thought it was going to be filled with all my stuff,” she said.
She said the drugs must have been planted, adding: “I know who did it”.
Lee told the MailOnline that she travelled to Sri Lanka to wait there while her Thai visa was being renewed. She said the people she believed planted the drugs were meant to meet her at the airport.
According to the charity Prisoners Abroad, new drug cases involving British people have soared, with women and young people particularly impacted.
Women made up 62% of new drug-related cases last year, while younger people made up 65% of cases, the charity said.
Lee’s next hearing will be on June 13.
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