A British woman facing 25 years in prison appeared to break down in tears as she attended court today (30 May).
Charlotte May Lee was arrested in Sri Lanka earlier this month after authorities allegedly found 46kg of ‘Kush’ in her luggage when she arrived on a flight from Thailand.
The 21-year-old is yet to be charged but is accused of attempting to smuggle the reported £1.2 million worth of drugs into the country. With the investigation ongoing, she is being held at a prison in Negombo on suspicion of keeping illegal drugs in her possession and drug smuggling.
The former flight attendant has previously denied knowing the alleged mix of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol and formaldehyde, was in her suitcases.
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The south Londoner appeared in court today, and reports indicate that officers also seized a large quantity of cannabis as part of their investigation.
It’s said the Kush allegedly found in Lee’s bags was the largest amount to be detected at Bandaranaike Airport since it opened in 1967.
She was visibly upset as she stood in a cell at the back of the courtroom before being taken to the witness box.
The narcotics division of the Sri Lanka police have said they intend to file an update on the investigation soon.
It’s reported that Lee struggled with following the proceedings, as they were conducted in the country’s main language, Sinhalese.
Lee previously called the allegations ‘made up’ as she previously told MailOnline: “I had never seen them [the drugs] before. 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.
“So I left my bags in the hotel room and headed for the night out. As they were already packed, I didn't check them again in the morning. They must have planted it then.”
In court today, Lee’s lawyer, Sampath Perera asked if the alleged pile of drugs had been examined to ascertain if they were, in fact, an illegal substance, and the magistrate ordered a test and report as soon as possible.
After the hearing, Perera told the BBC that the next step is to make a bail application for the woman, which may take three months.
Lee explained she has not been able to speak to her family since the arrest, is currently sharing a cell with five other women and is trying not to dwell too much on what’s happening.
"I am not trying to think about it. If I think, then I feel bad. I'd still rather not process it,” she said.
Jess Battison