Border Check Turns Into Criminal Case With Health and Legal Implications
Prosecuting, Kevin Wardlaw told Newcastle Crown Court: “When asked to open one [item of her luggage] she said she didn’t have the key. She became aware the locks would be forced. Her attitude changed, she became obstructive, making comments to the officer. The officer was not being racist; it was just a random check.”
Inside the suitcase was 22.5 kilos of cannabis — with a wholesale value of £67,500 and a street value of £225,000. The massive discrepancy in street price versus carrier fee (£250) shows how young women are targeted in illegal schemes,
Often without proper awareness of the legal and financial consequences, not to mention potential prenatal care disruptions or maternity-related health insurance risks.
She pleaded guilty to being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis, a charge that carries severe sentencing in the U.K.
And abroad — especially in countries with limited prison healthcare infrastructure or access to maternal diagnostics.
