British woman faces notorious Sri Lankan prison for drug charges
A young Briton, Charlotte May Lee, may face prison in Sri Lanka for allegedly smuggling drugs worth £1.2 million (€1.4 million). The prison in this area is often referred to as "hell".
Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old from London, was arrested in Colombo on charges of smuggling 101 pounds of Kush, a synthetic form of cannabis, into Sri Lanka, according to British media. The young woman, who had travelled from Bangkok, is currently held at a local facility, Negombo Prison, while her case is under court review.
If found guilty, she may be transferred to Welikada Prison in Colombo, the largest maximum-security establishment in the country.
The "Daily Mail" highlights that Welikada Prison has a grim history and is notorious for its appalling conditions, particularly for women. Overcrowded cells, rats, and inadequate sanitation are common issues.
About 150 of us sleep in a cell designed for 75 people. An open drain infested with rats runs the perimeter of the room. Recently, one of the inmates was bitten and had to be rushed to the hospital for an anti-rabies shot - an inmate, quoted by the "Daily Mail", said anonymously.
In 2012, riots at the prison resulted in the deaths of 27 inmates. In 2019, former prison commissioner Emil Lamahewage was sentenced to death for his involvement in these events. In 2020, prisoners protested against the increase in coronavirus infections in prisons and demanded early release on bail or better conditions.
We eat, bathe, sleep, wake up and begin all over again. There are no attempts at rehabilitation. Women here just waste away - we read.
Sri Lanka's significant prison problem
Sri Lanka grapples with overcrowded prisons. Nationwide, the number of inmates exceeds the facilities' capacity by over 20,000. There is also a shortage of prison guards, which further worsens the situation.
In such conditions, fair treatment of inmates is challenging, potentially influencing court decisions in Charlotte Lee's case.
The British Foreign Office has confirmed that it is supporting Charlotte Lee and is in contact with her family and local authorities. Lee's friends are shocked by the charges, describing her as a hardworking and kind individual. Videos of her arrest have surfaced on social media, with friends claiming she appeared confused and terrified.
Charlotte Lee's situation is not unique. Recently, another Briton, Bella May Culley, was arrested in Georgia for drug smuggling. Both cases raise concerns that young Britons may be targeted by drug gangs during international travels.
