A British mum is facing over a year in a notorious Mauritian prison after cannabis was allegedly found in her son’s suitcase. She claims she was coerced. Here’s what we know.
UK Mum Facing Extended Detention in Harsh Mauritian Jail Over Drug Allegation
A British woman is facing a lengthy spell in one of Mauritius’s most notorious prisons after being accused of smuggling cannabis into the country using her six-year-old son’s suitcase.
Natashia Artug, 35, from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, is reported to be among a group of seven British nationals and one Romanian man arrested last month at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Authorities claim the group attempted to smuggle 161kg of cannabis—with a street value of around £1.6 million—into the island. Approximately 14kg of the substance was allegedly discovered inside the child’s wheelie case, wrapped in plastic and concealed among clothing.
Alleged Coercion and Harsh Conditions
Artug is being represented by the London-based non-profit Justice Abroad, which has stated that she was coerced into making the trip by individuals who had threatened her and her family.
Despite these claims, the Mauritian authorities are taking the case seriously due to the scale of the drug haul and the involvement of a minor. Artug is now reportedly being held on remand in Beau Bassin Central Prison, located just outside the capital, Port Louis. She may face more than a year behind bars before her case goes to trial.
The prison, which houses 135 women, has been described in past reports as unsanitary and overcrowded, with inmates often made to spend hours outdoors in intense heat. A 2014 U.S. State Department human rights report highlighted “lack of hygiene, sanitation, and basic medical care” in Mauritius’s prisons, noting that such issues often prompted families to speak out on local radio stations.
Mother and Child Initially Held Together
In a rare move, Artug was initially detained with her son at the headquarters of the island’s Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit. Authorities reportedly allowed the two to stay together temporarily before the child’s father traveled to Mauritius and returned the boy to the UK.
Artug has not issued a public statement. Four other British women arrested alongside her, also from Cambridgeshire, are believed to be held in the same prison.
Foreigners and Drug Offences in Mauritius
Mauritius maintains strict drug laws, and possession or trafficking charges are met with severe penalties. Over half the female inmates at Beau Bassin are said to be foreign nationals, many of them held for drug-related offences.
While the prison system reportedly offers inmates the right to visitation, religious practices, and the ability to file complaints, these are often overshadowed by tough daily conditions and limited access to resources.
UK Government Involved
A spokesperson from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed ongoing support for Artug, stating:
“We are supporting a British national detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Broader Implications
This case shines a light on the dangers faced by individuals caught in international trafficking schemes, as well as the vulnerabilities exploited by criminal networks. Advocacy groups warn that those traveling abroad—especially to nations with strict drug policies—should be cautious, particularly if pressured to carry luggage or packages for others.
Artug’s case is now set to move slowly through the Mauritian legal system, with a trial date yet to be confirmed.
For travelers:
- Never carry bags or items you didn’t pack yourself.
- Learn the drug laws of your destination—many countries have zero tolerance.
- If you feel unsafe or coerced before travel, seek help from authorities or support groups.
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