On May 12, 2025, Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old former flight attendant from South London, was arrested at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. Sri Lankan customs officials discovered approximately 46 kilograms of a synthetic drug known as “kush” concealed in her luggage. Valued at around $3.3 million, this seizure marks the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka’s history. New York Post
Lee, who had been working in Thailand, claimed the drugs were planted in her suitcases without her knowledge. She is currently detained in a prison north of Colombo, facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted. BBC
Kush is a synthetic drug that originated in Sierra Leone and has rapidly spread across West Africa. It is typically made by spraying synthetic cannabinoids and opioids onto plant material. Alarmingly, some batches have included dangerous additives like formaldehyde and, reportedly, ground human bones sourced from graveyards.
The drug is known for its devastating effects, including respiratory problems, kidney and liver damage, and severe psychological effects like psychosis. Users often exhibit zombie-like behaviour, and the drug has been associated with numerous deaths in Sierra Leone.
Kush production involves mixing imported chemicals, often from China and the UK, with local plant materials. These mixtures are then distributed by criminal networks across West Africa. The drug’s relatively low cost and potent effects have contributed to its rapid spread among youth in the region. Reuters
The arrest of Charlotte May Lee underscores the international reach of kush trafficking networks. Authorities are increasingly concerned about the exploitation of young individuals as unwitting drug mules. Efforts are underway to combat the spread of kush through increased law enforcement collaboration and public health initiatives.
Sri Lankan authorities have expressed alarm over the increasing influx of synthetic drugs like kush into the country. The recent seizure involving Charlotte May Lee has prompted heightened vigilance and stricter profiling measures at entry points, especially for travelers arriving from known drug transit hubs like Bangkok. New York Post
For more detailed information on the kush crisis and its global implications, refer to the following sources:
