Pregnant teen who smuggled cannabis into UK escapes jail over housing struggles

A 19-year-old pregnant woman tried to smuggle over 22 kilograms of cannabis into the UK. She was spared prison after saying she needed money for a home deposit.

Daniella Kankam-Adu, from London, was stopped at Newcastle Airport on March 3. She had flown in from Toronto and was offered £250 to transport what she thought were vaping products. However, officials found her suitcase filled with cannabis worth about £225,000.

Initially, Kankam-Adu insisted there was nothing suspicious in her luggage. When asked to unlock her bags, she became uncooperative. Officers then forced the bags open and discovered 22.5 kg of cannabis valued at £67,500 wholesale.

At Newcastle Crown Court, prosecutors noted that Kankam-Adu claimed she did not know the exact contents. However, she admitted feeling suspicious due to the suitcase's weight and size. She pleaded guilty to attempting to evade drug importation laws.

Her lawyer, Glenn Gatland, described her as vulnerable with a troubled past. He mentioned that she learned of her pregnancy shortly before the incident. Desperate for housing for herself and her unborn child, she saw this plan as an easy way to earn money.

While in custody for three months, Kankam-Adu suffered a miscarriage. Her lawyer stated that this experience deeply affected her and served as a strong deterrent against future offenses.