British Beautician Faces Up to 60 Years in U.S. Jail for Alleged £3.5 Million Cocaine Smuggling

A British beautician is facing the possibility of a 60-year prison sentence in the United States after being accused of smuggling £3.5 million worth of cocaine from Mexico.

Kim Hall, 28, was arrested at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport while awaiting a connecting flight to Manchester. Authorities say 43 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in two suitcases she was carrying.

Kim Hall, from Middlesbrough, was arrested after Homeland Security officers found 43kg of cocaine in two suitcases Credit: Facebook.

U.S. Homeland Security officers detained Hall after the significant drug haul was found during a routine baggage check.

However, Hall claims she was coerced into transporting the bags by two men who had lured her to Mexico with the promise of a free holiday in Cancun, later threatening her during her stay.

Back in the UK, Hall’s family stands by her, insisting that her only crime was being “stupid and naive.” Her father, John Hall, 59, explained that his daughter had been manipulated by men she met during a previous trip to Portugal.

The beautician is currently facing 60 years in prison if convicted. Credit: Facebook.

According to John, the men presented as property developers and extended an invitation to a paid vacation to Mexico. Once there, they pressured her into carrying two suitcases back to the UK, claiming they were filled with $250,000 in cash.

“She’s not a drug smuggler,” John said. “They told her it was money she was carrying. They took her phone and threatened her family, and that’s why she went through with it. She had no choice.”

John explained that Kim had no prior criminal record and had lived a responsible life, working as a self-employed beautician in Middlesbrough. “She’s had a good upbringing and has always worked hard for her money,” he added. “The only thing she’s guilty of is being naive.”

Kim’s dad, John, 59, defended his daughter, claiming she’s not a drug smuggler. Credit: Facebook.

Kim Hall has been charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver.

Due to the large quantity of cocaine involved—well over the 900-gram threshold for serious drug offenses—she faces Class X felony charges, which carry a potential sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison.

Kim was allegedly offered a free holiday by people she had met on a previous trip. Credit: Facebook.

Hall has made several preliminary court appearances at the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago, but her trial could still be a year away.

In the meantime, she remains in custody, with her family in the UK struggling to cope with the emotional and financial toll of the situation. They have already spent £28,000 on legal fees for a local attorney to represent her.

She claims that she was threatened and thought she was only transporting money. Credit: Facebook.

John Hall expressed concern for his daughter’s mental and physical well-being while she remained in detention. “For the first few weeks, you couldn’t speak to her because she was in tears,” he said. “She keeps saying, ‘You don’t understand what they were threatening me with,’ but that’s all we’ve managed to get out of her.”

The 28-year-old is being held in Chicago and is awaiting trial. Credit: Facebook.

“She’s petrified,” John added, believing Kim was forced into the situation. “Without a shadow of a doubt, she was coerced into carrying the drugs back. I’m not just saying that to protect my daughter—it’s the truth.”

Sola Adeniji

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