A 23-year-old British woman from Gloucestershire is facing a devastating 12-year prison sentence in Peru after being caught attempting to smuggle cocaine out of the country while 12 weeks pregnant.
Bella Hounsell was arrested at Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport after authorities discovered three kilograms of high-purity cocaine hidden in her luggage. The retail value of the drugs was estimated at approximately £300,000 on UK streets.
A Desperate Situation
Speaking from her prison cell, Hounsell claims she was coerced into becoming a drug mule after falling into financial desperation. "I had no choice," she told reporters. "They threatened my family if I didn't do it."
The young woman, who was working as a holiday rep in Peru, found herself trapped in an impossible situation with what she describes as "no way out."
Pregnancy Behind Bars
What makes Hounsell's case particularly heartbreaking is her pregnancy. At just 12 weeks pregnant when arrested, she now faces the prospect of giving birth while incarcerated in a foreign prison system.
Her family back in Gloucestershire are reportedly "devastated" by the situation and are working with the Foreign Office to provide support.
Legal Battle Ahead
Hounsell has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges, claiming she was acting under duress. However, Peruvian authorities have shown little sympathy for her circumstances.
Under Peruvian law, drug trafficking carries severe penalties, and judges rarely show leniency toward foreign nationals caught smuggling narcotics.
Foreign Office Involvement
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they are providing assistance to a British national imprisoned in Peru.
"We are supporting the family of a British woman arrested in Peru and are in contact with the local authorities," the statement read.
Hounsell remains in custody while awaiting trial, with her legal team preparing what could be a lengthy and complex defence case.
