A British couple from Wednesbury, West Midlands, could face up to 30 years in a Turkish prison after allegedly attempting to smuggle two suitcases filled with cannabis from Thailand to the UK. Holly Cooper and Taylor Johnson, both 20, were detained at Istanbul Airport on 26 April as they prepared to board a connecting flight to London.
Following their arrest, the pair were placed in an overcrowded holding cell where Taylor was reportedly assaulted by Turkish inmates, according to family sources. They have since been transferred to another prison, but their case may not reach court for up to a year. The couple currently lack private legal representation and rely on a public defence team.
Friends have launched a fundraising effort to cover legal costs, though a GoFundMe page set up by Taylor's family has been removed. A family friend described the couple as 'good kids' who were 'recruited and groomed by bigger criminals'. If convicted, they face a minimum sentence of 10 to 30 years.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is providing support to the two British nationals and their families, and is in touch with local authorities. In December 2025, the National Crime Agency (NCA) warned against the risks of drug smuggling, urging individuals not to risk their lives for free holidays.
