Brit couple face 30 years in Turkish jail over alleged cannabis smuggling | World | News

A British couple is facing up to 30 years in prison for allegedly trying to smuggle two suitcases full of marijuana into England.

Holly Cooper and her boyfriend Taylor Johnson, both 20 years old, were detained in Istanbul on the plane departing from Thailand. Officers caught the couple late last month as they headed for a connecting flight to London.

After the interrogation, the couple was thrown into an overcrowded cell, and according to family sources, Taylor was allegedly beaten by Turkish prisoners.

The pair, both from Wednesbury in the West Midlands, were later transferred to a different prison. But the case could take up to a year to reach trial, and the couple does not currently have dedicated legal representation, instead relying on a state-appointed legal team.

Friends are now rallying to raise money to cover the couple’s legal costs as their worried families anxiously await news of any developments. If convicted, the duo is expected to be sentenced to at least 10 to 30 years in prison. reports the Mirror.

A family friend described the couple as “good kids.” Speaking to The Sun, his friend said: “Okay, they did something stupid this time but everyone makes mistakes.

“They were recruited, groomed and exploited by bigger criminals. They are alone in a Turkish prison. This is shocking and Taylor appears to have been beaten. Families are torn apart.” In February, Holly shared photos taken in Gran Canaria, Spain, before the couple headed to Thailand the following month. They then attempted to return to the UK on 26 April before being detained by Turkish police.

A GoFundMe fundraiser had been set up by Taylor’s family to cover her legal costs, but the page appears to have since been removed.

The page read: “It may seem arrogant to some but if you were put in this situation you would do anything to raise funds. Please don’t if you don’t want to help but even if you donate a pound or so it will all help and be greatly appreciated.”

An FCDO spokesman said: “We are providing support to two British citizens detained in Türkiye and their families and are in contact with local authorities.” he said.

Last year British nationals were detained in several countries, including Spain, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Germany, Indonesia, Chile and the United States, often carrying large quantities of drugs in their luggage.

In December 2025, Beki Wright, head of the NCA’s Border Threat Team, issued a stern warning to those lured by criminal gangs, particularly in destinations such as Thailand, with the promise of lavish holidays in exchange for the transportation of “packages”.

Wright said: “Don’t risk your life for a free holiday. Couriers risk a potentially life-changing conviction and prison sentence and we continue to target them as part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply chain.”

“We continue to warn anyone tempted by a quick payday or free holiday in exchange for smuggling drugs such as marijuana that the risks are too great and the chances of getting caught are too high. It’s not worth it.”