Overview
- Customs officers intercepted Holly Cooper and Taylor Johnson at Istanbul Airport after risk analysis on April 26 identified them for checks.
- Authorities say they found 17 vacuum‑sealed packs in a suitcase weighing 19.26 kilograms in total, and a field test confirmed the substance was marijuana.
- Newly released footage shows officers removing the pair from a London‑bound flight and directing them to retrieve their bags from a carousel for inspection.
- The two were arrested and remain in custody, face possible 10 to 30 year sentences under Turkish drug laws, are represented by public defenders, and the UK Foreign Office is supporting their families.
- Relatives allege Johnson was beaten in a crowded holding cell and say the couple were exploited by larger criminals, claims not verified by officials.