Annie is a 32-year-old mother from Thailand, who spent almost three years
in Hong Kong prison, accused of drug trafficking.
Annie carried luggage for a friend she owed money to, believing it contained jewellery and diamonds.
When Annie was arrested, she was overwhelmed with disbelief. She had no idea there were drugs in her luggage. Now in prison, she was allowed only one 10-minute call per month. During her call, she spoke to her parents, scared they wouldn’t believe she was innocent.
“I must fight and win the case.”
If Annie had been found guilty, she could have faced a maximum sentence of 28 years. Proving innocence in a drug trafficking case is notoriously difficult, as evidence is often scarce, and when the crime occurs in another country, local Hong Kong police are unable to investigate the matter fully. Fortunately, Annie had compelling evidence that supported her innocence, and after nearly three years in a Hong Kong prison, she was acquitted.
Annie embraced monkhood for three months, a symbolic act to leave her past behind. Through the Drug Mule Stories project, she aims to warn others against accepting packages to carry on behalf of others, even from friends.
