A British mother has been arrested in Mauritius after cannabis with an estimated street value of £1.6 million was discovered in the suitcase of her six-year-old son. Natashia Artug, 35, was detained alongside seven other suspects last month following a British Airways flight from Gatwick to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam airport.
Mauritian authorities reported that the child's luggage contained 24 packages of the drug, weighing 14kg. They described the case as 'outrageous and inhumane', adding it is one of the most revolting they have encountered in recent years. Artug's partner, Florian Lisman, 38, was also arrested and is said to have been carrying 32 packages.
The child has since been flown back to the UK and is staying with his father. Artug, from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, remains in custody in Mauritius. Justice Abroad, an organisation providing legal support, claims she is 'vulnerable' and was coerced into smuggling the drugs by individuals who threatened her and her family.
The group has launched a fundraiser to cover Artug's legal costs, stating she suffers from Fibromyalgia and was exploited by a criminal gang. The Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting the British national and is in contact with local authorities. The other arrested individuals include Patrick Lee Wilsdon, 22, Lily Watson, 20, Shannon Ellen Josie Holness, 29, Laura Amy Kappen, 28, and Shona Campbell, 32, each allegedly carrying between 30 and 31 packages.
