Ex‑flight attendant arrested in Sri Lanka with $3.3M stash of drug made from human bones

Ex‑flight attendant arrested in Sri Lanka with $3.3M stash of drug made from human bones.

Charlotte May Lee was detained at Colombo airport with over 100 lbs of “kush”—a synthetic drug from West Africa reportedly made using crushed human bones and embalming fluid.

👉 Read full coverage: Yahoo News via NY Post, CBS News, NDTV


🕵️‍♀️ What Happened

On May 12, 2025, customs agents at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport discovered 101 lbs (≈ 46 kg) of a lethal new drug known as “kush” packed in two suitcases belonging to 21‑year‑old Charlotte May Lee, a former UK flight attendant. The haul, believed to originate from West Africa, is estimated to be worth USD 3.3 million.

Sources: NY Post, CBS News, NDTV


⚗️ The Drug & Its Origins

Kush is a potent synthetic cannabinoid reportedly laced with opioids and, most disturbingly, ground-up human bones soaked in embalming fluid—ingredients that rallegedly have led to grave robbing in Sierra Leone. The drug is linked to numerous deaths in West Africa and labeled an “existential crisis” by its president.

Sources: NY Post, NDTV, CBS News


🚨 Legal Status & Defense Claim

Lee denies knowledge of the contents, claiming the drugs were planted in Bangkok at her hotel. She remains detained in a harsh Sri Lankan jail where she reportedly sleeps on a concrete floor. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison.

Sources: NY Post, CBS News


🌍 Broader Scope & Warning

Authorities in Sierra Leone have cracked down on kush use and grave robbing by declaring a state of emergency. Analysts warn the drug is now spreading internationally via transit hubs like Bangkok and Colombo. Law enforcement agencies worldwide are closely watching Kush’s evolving threat and trafficking routes.

Sources: NY Post, CBS News, WKRC via NPR reporting


TL;DR SMH America 🤦‍♂️😏☕

  • Charlotte May Lee was arrested in Sri Lanka with 101 lbs of a $3.3M supply of “kush,” a synthetic drug reportedly made with human bone.

  • She denies knowledge, saying the drugs were planted at her Bangkok hotel.

  • If convicted, she could face up to 25 years behind bars in harsh prison conditions.

  • The case highlights international spread of a new drug tied to grave robbing and public health crises in West Africa.


Navlist for reference:

  • Ex-flight attendant arrested at Sri Lanka airport with 100 lbs of human‑bone drug stash (NY Post)

  • Former UK flight attendant charged for smuggling “kush” made of human remains (NDTV / CBS News)

Let me know if you’d like a visual chart of global drug trafficking routes or a health risk infographic next time.

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