British Mother Detained in Mauritius After £1.6 Million Drug Bust

A British mother is currently imprisoned in Mauritius after being accused of attempting to smuggle cannabis valued at approximately £1.6 million into the country. Natashia Artug, 35, from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, allegedly concealed 161 kilograms of cannabis in her six-year-old son’s luggage during their journey on a British Airways flight from Gatwick to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport last month.

Artug is now facing the possibility of over a year in remand at the women’s section of Beau Bassin Central Prison, located just outside Port Louis, before her trial begins. Reports indicate that the prison is notorious for its grim and overcrowded conditions, housing around 135 female inmates who often find themselves outside “under the scorching sun” for extended periods.

The mother of two was arrested alongside six other British nationals and her Romanian partner. Following the discovery of the drugs in her son’s suitcase, Mauritian authorities have treated her case with utmost seriousness. Artug’s legal representation, Justice Abroad, a London-based charity, claims she was coerced into making the trip under threats against her and her family’s safety.

Initially, Artug was held at the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit’s headquarters, allowing her to remain with her son. However, she was later transferred to Beau Bassin Central Prison after the child’s father reportedly traveled to Mauritius to reclaim him and return to the UK. As of now, Artug has not publicly commented on her situation.

Concerns Over Prison Conditions

A 2014 assessment of prison conditions in Mauritius raised alarms, stating they “did not always meet international standards.” Reports highlighted issues such as substance abuse within detention centers across the island. It is estimated that more than half of the women at Beau Bassin Central Prison are foreigners, many facing drug-related charges.

The US State Department has also conducted a Human Rights assessment, which pointed out significant concerns regarding “lack of hygiene, sanitation, and basic medical care” within the facility. The assessment noted that due to insufficient administrative remedies, inmates’ relatives occasionally resorted to private radio stations to voice their grievances about prison conditions.

While the report did not specify whether the highlighted issues pertained to the women’s section or the significantly larger men’s section, it described the record-keeping in Mauritius prisons as “adequate.” Inmates have the right to visitors, can file complaints, and are permitted to practice their faith.

In response to inquiries about Artug’s situation, a spokesperson from the Foreign Office stated, “We are supporting a British national detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities.”

As this case unfolds, the implications for Artug and her family remain uncertain. The combination of harsh prison conditions and the serious nature of the allegations she faces adds an additional layer of complexity to her situation.