By Dayo Ade Olusola |Crime News |July 23, 2025
A 35-year-old British woman has been arrested in Mauritius after authorities discovered large quantities of cannabis concealed in her six-year-old son’s suitcase, in what officials have described as one of the most shocking smuggling cases in recent years.
Natashia Artug, a mother of two from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was detained upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport last month after arriving on a British Airways flight from London Gatwick.
She was arrested alongside seven other British nationals, all accused of attempting to smuggle a combined haul of cannabis with an estimated street value of £1.6 million.
According to Mauritian authorities, 14kg of cannabis were found hidden inside the child’s luggage, divided into 24 separate packages.
Officials condemned the alleged method, calling it “outrageous and inhumane,” and stating it was “one of the most revolting cases we have encountered in recent years.”
Artug’s partner, 38-year-old Florian Lisman, was also arrested.
He was reportedly found with 32 drug parcels. Local news outlet Le Mauricien identified the other detainees as Patrick Lee Wilsdon, 22; Lily Watson, 20; Shannon Ellen Josie Holness, 29; Laura Amy Kappen, 28; and Shona Campbell, 32. Each of the individuals was allegedly in possession of 30 to 31 drug packages upon arrival.
The six-year-old boy, who was not arrested, has since been repatriated to the UK and is currently in the care of his father.
Legal charity Justice Abroad has taken up Artug’s case, arguing that she is a vulnerable woman who was coerced into the drug trafficking operation under threats of violence.
The group has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover her legal costs and to advocate for her return to the UK.
In a statement, Justice Abroad described Artug as “a single mother of two who suffers from fibromyalgia and is studying at university to improve her family’s future.” They claim she was forced to travel to Mauritius by individuals involved in drug trafficking, who allegedly threatened her and her family with serious violence if she refused.
“She was coerced into travelling with her young son and carrying luggage she did not know contained cannabis,” the group said. “This case raises serious concerns about the exploitation of a vulnerable mother by an organised criminal gang. She now faces a criminal trial, separated from her children and unable to properly prepare a defence.”
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they are aware of the case. “We are supporting a British national detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities,” the statement read.
Artug and the other defendants are expected to face trial in Mauritius in the coming weeks. If convicted, they could face significant prison sentences under the country’s strict anti-narcotics laws.
