The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for nearly 50 destinations after the arrest of an 18-year-old British woman. Bella Culley could face a life sentence because of drug-related charges, as she is accused of unlawfully purchasing, possessing, and importing large amounts of narcotics, including cannabis.
Culley, from Billingham in Teesside, is thought to have disappeared from Thailand, only to be apprehended at Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia, approximately 3,700 miles away, on these allegations. Reports indicate she was reportedly intercepted while attempting to smuggle 14kg of cannabis into the nation.
The 18-year-old has been held there for 55 days while the prosecution keeps digging into the case. According to the BBC, this could be pushed for another seven months.
The UK Foreign Office has since released new travel advice for 48 destinations around the globe, in light of Thailand’s legalisation of low-strength cannabis. This update poses a possible risk for travellers trying to exit the country with the substance.
Criminal gangs are known to manipulate individuals into transporting drugs. This has led the government to issue a new warning, advising travellers not to carry items through customs for others, reports Glasgow Live.
In certain countries, even traces of cannabis on clothing can result in arrest. Blood and urine tests may also be carried out.
- Albania
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Latvia
- Bosnia and Hertzegovena
- Bulgaria
- Burundi
- Croatia
- Cyprus,
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Hungar
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo,
- Lichtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain,
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- USA
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a stern warning to Brits travelling abroad, with a particular emphasis on the risks associated with drug smuggling. In a tweet from the official @FCDOtravelGovUK account, travellers were cautioned: “Don’t smuggle illegal drugs.
“There are severe penalties for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis. Airports have excellent technology to detect items, including in the baggage of transiting passengers.”
For those planning a trip overseas, it’s crucial to stay informed by checking the latest travel advice on the gov.uk website, which provides detailed information for 226 countries. A clear message on the site advises: “Get advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.”
In a recent update, the FCDO has revised its Safety and Security advice for 48 countries, highlighting the dangers of involvement with illegal substances. The updated guidance for most countries states: “Updated information on the risks of being involved with illegal drugs, including cannabis. This includes the risk of arrest if you are found carrying drugs when transiting through the airport.”
The advice underscores the harsh consequences of drug offences: “Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.”
For popular holiday spots, such as Greece, the Foreign Office warns: “Airports in Greece have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence. Nitrous oxide is illegal to buy or sell for recreational use. You could be arrested or fined.”
A similar warning is issued for the Netherlands, stating: “Airports in the Netherlands have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.”
Those travelling to Turkey are also cautioned, as the penalties for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe, with prison sentences ranging from 4 to 24 years and substantial fines, even for those merely transiting through airports.
