A Scottish teenager is imprisoned in Qatar on drug trafficking charges, alleging he was coerced into transporting cannabis. Lino Neil, 18, a champion angler from Drymen near Stirling, was arrested at Hamad International Airport on November 21 after a suitcase containing cannabis was found in his possession. He claims a British expatriate forced him to carry the drugs from Thailand to Dublin.
Neil's family says he was exploited by criminals in Thailand. His mother, Nicola, 49, stated that Lino told her he was controlled by a British man who dictated what he wore and ate. She said Lino feared for his life and threatened suicide. 'He said they had a hold over him and he couldn't get out of it. They said they would harm him and his family if he didn't do as they said,' she added.
Neil spent Christmas in a Doha cell with 80 other inmates before being moved to Central Prison. His brother Robbie, 28, explained that Lino had traveled to Thailand for a holiday and was returning via Dublin due to flight costs. Robbie said Lino was told he would be deported but instead was detained. The British Embassy in Doha is assisting the family.
The family faces legal costs of up to £40,000 for proceedings in Qatar, having already raised £2,500 for a lawyer ahead of Neil's first court appearance on January 27. Nicola described her mental health as devastated, requiring medication to cope. 'I just need him home,' she said.
