Sodhi Tramaringam is an Indian–Malaysian mother of four daughters and a loving aunt to three nieces, who she treats as her own children.
Sodhi spent 30 months imprisoned in Hong Kong, accused of smuggling drugs, before proving herself innocent.
Sodhi worked as a kindergarten school teacher in Malaysia. On weekends, she sold insurance. As a single mother she was always looking for ways to earn extra money for her children.
In December 2018, she was approached by a travel agent, who offered her a job as a tour guide in Hong Kong to guide a group of elderly Indians. She was told the tour group didn't speak English, and that's why they needed someone who spoke both English and Tamil to arrange the activities.
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She would have to pay half of her plane ticket and would be paid 5000 Malaysian Ringgit (1060 USD). Sodhi had never been to Hong Kong and was excited about this opportunity.
She was told she would meet the tour group in Hong Kong, but when she arrived, no one was there. The people from the travel agency explained that the group was scheduled to arrive a few days later and offered her an alternative—a short trip to Cambodia, giving her an opportunity to explore and unwind until the group arrived in Hong Kong.
"I felt something was suspicious."
At first Sodhi told the men she wouldn't bring the bag to Hong Kong.​
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"There were some arguments with the three of them. I feel a lot of sympathy, right? They already did so much for me, she said."
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In the end, Sodhi felt compelled to return the favour, but wanted to make sure the bag was safe. That's why she asked customs at the Cambodian airport to scan the bag. They scanned it twice and found nothing.
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So, she proceeded to fly to Hong Kong.
Sodhi was arrested at Hong Kong airport on 15 December 2018 with 2.9 kg of cocaine.
The drugs were hidden under layers of lining.
"They were told I had already got murdered."
Sodhi's daughters
"I went into depression."
"Father John,
I think he's an angel sent to me."
Fortunately, Sodhi had strong evidence to fight her case, including CCTV footage, photographs and text messages to her brother. She also got help from Father John Wotherspoon and his NGO. They paid her bail, which helped her prepare better for her case and, eventually, win it.
In December 2021, Sodhi returned to Malaysia after serving 2.5 years in prison and 6 months on bail in Hong Kong.
Now, Sodhi wants to warn others and encourage people to trust their instinct.
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"First thing, learn to say no. Just follow your heart," Sodhi says.
She currently has a government job and has recently set up an NGO to help vulnerable people in Malaysian society.
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