Former UK Cabin Crew Member Arrested in Sri Lanka with £1.15 Million Cannabis Haul

Sri Lankan authorities have detained Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old former air stewardess from South London, at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo on charges of attempting to smuggle 46 kilograms of cannabis into the country. The drugs, valued at approximately £1.15 million, were found packed in vacuum-sealed bags inside two large suitcases after Lee arrived on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand.

Officials from the Customs Narcotics Control Unit described the seizure as the largest amount of Kush cannabis ever discovered at the airport. Kush is a potent strain often mixed with synthetic substances and is believed to be destined for high-end buyers within Sri Lanka.

Lee, who previously worked for TUI Group and has recently been training as a beautician, remains in custody while investigations continue. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing consular support to Lee and is in contact with her family and Sri Lankan authorities.

Friends of Lee expressed shock at the arrest, describing her as a “nice girl” with no previous warning signs. Reports indicate that Lee had been traveling in Thailand in April to celebrate her 21st birthday and had mentioned a job on a boat in the region, though she did not disclose any immediate travel plans.

Sri Lankan security forces continue to maintain vigilant border controls amid ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. This high-profile arrest underscores the challenges faced in curbing illicit narcotics entering the country through international transit hubs.

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