British Mother Arrested in Mauritius After Cannabis Found in Child’s Suitcase

Edited By: Tendai Zola

A 35-year-old British mother-of-two has been arrested in Mauritius on suspicion of attempting to smuggle cannabis hidden inside her six-year-old son’s suitcase.

Natashia Artug, from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was among seven British nationals detained at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport last month. Authorities allege that the group attempted to traffic over 161 kilograms of cannabis into the country, with an estimated street value of £1.6 million.

Artug was reportedly traveling with her partner, 38-year-old Romanian national Florian Lisman, when the drugs were discovered. According to local media, she was found with 24 cellophane-wrapped packages of cannabis hidden in her and her son’s luggage, weighing approximately 14 kilograms.

Mauritian officials say all seven suspects had Apple AirTags attached to their luggage and were each carrying up to £900 in cash. The accused also included Shannon Holness (29), Patrick Wilsdon (22), Lily Watson (20), Shona Campbell (32), and Laura Kappen (28), with each reportedly transporting 30 to 32 drug packages.

If convicted, the suspects face up to 45 years in prison under Mauritius’ strict drug laws.

Claims of Coercion and Vulnerability

Artug, described by supporters as a “vulnerable” single mother suffering from fibromyalgia, is being represented by Justice Abroad, a UK-based legal support organization. The charity alleges she was coerced into the trip by a drug trafficking network that threatened her and her family with violence if she did not comply.

“She was forced to travel with her young son and carry luggage she did not pack,” the charity said in a statement. “This case raises serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by criminal gangs.”

Artug’s two children have reportedly been returned to the UK and are now in the care of their father.

Crowdfunding Effort Launched

Justice Abroad has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £5,000 to support Artug’s legal defense. The funds will help cover legal representation and gather evidence to prove she was acting under duress.

“Natashia is doing her best to build a better life for her children. She’s a university student and a mother who found herself caught in a dangerous situation beyond her control,” the campaign statement reads.

The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment but has yet to issue a response.