Taylor Johnson, 21, was arrested in Turkey on suspicion of drug smuggling after authorities allegedly found a suitcase full of drugs in his possession. He could now face up to 10 years in prison.
It all started when Johnson and his girlfriend, Holly Cooper, both 21, landed in Turkey on April 26 while traveling back to the UK from Thailand. Upon arrival, they were reportedly escorted to the luggage carousel and asked to retrieve their bags. As Turkish customs officials searched their luggage, they allegedly found nearly 42 lbs of cannabis in Johnson’s suitcase. No drugs were found in Cooper’s luggage.
The couple was arrested on suspicion of smuggling. Cooper has since returned to the UK, but Johnson remains in custody. He is now potentially facing up to 10 years in prison if found guilty, according to LADbible.
Taylor Johnson and Holly Cooper arrested in Turkey
Cooper claims she had no knowledge of the drugs in Johnson’s suitcase. According to The Sun, the couple’s legal representative, Bilgehan Berk, said a judge was told that Johnson had transported the suitcase after being threatened by a person he was allegedly involved in a car accident with.
“The person involved in the accident had obtained my details,” Johnson said through an interpreter.
“About a week later, he began threatening both me and my family. He demanded £3,000 from me. I told him I did not have the money. He then instructed me to travel to Thailand and bring back an item located there to the United Kingdom.
“He told me it was a specially designed suitcase, so I did not know it contained drugs. I then called my girlfriend and told her I was going to Thailand on holiday, asking whether she wanted to come with me. She agreed. Everyone paid for their own ticket.”
“I would never have done such a thing”
Johnson said his girlfriend was not aware of the situation and did not know what was inside the bag. According to his account, the suitcase was locked when he collected it from the person who had allegedly threatened him at a hotel in Thailand. He claims he only discovered what was inside when Turkish authorities opened it.
“I apologise. Had I known that the suitcase contained drugs, I would never have done such a thing,” he told the court, according to LADbible.
Johnson is currently being held in Maltepe Prison. His sentencing is scheduled for next month, and his legal representatives are reportedly expected to apply for any prison sentence to be served in the UK.
READ MORE
- Millionaire heiress found dead after mentor is killed on family estate
- Nick Reiner makes accusation against siblings as he awaits trial
