Menu
17/07/2008
Drug Trafficking Teenagers Released From Ghana Jail
Two British teenagers who were jailed in Ghana for attempting to smuggle drugs back to the UK have been released from prison.
Seventeen-year-olds Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya, both from north London, were arrested at Kotoka International Airport in Accra on 2 July 2007.
The girls denied trying to smuggle 6kg (13lbs) of cocaine into London, claiming they were not aware of the drugs in their luggage and that they had been set up.
However, they were found guilty of drug possession and trafficking in November 2007 and were sentenced to one year in prison back in January.
The teenagers had hoped to be released in April as the had already served three months in a detention centre and Ghanaian authorities have the discretion to take three months off a 12-month sentence for good behaviour. However, just days before their prospective release date the girls were told they would have to serve their sentences in full.
According to Fair Trails Abroad, the two girls are expected to return to the UK by the end of the month.
However, the charity has criticised authorities for failing to punish the "real masterminds behind the operation".
"The girls have served their full sentences, but the men who groomed them and lured them to Ghana remain free to target other vulnerable young women," said Chief Executive Catherine Wolthuizen.
"These men are known to the authorities but have never been prosecuted.
"The girls' experience sends an important warning to young people, but the best protection against further cases of this nature is for the authorities to focus efforts on catching the big fish, not the small fry."
(NS/JM)
Seventeen-year-olds Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya, both from north London, were arrested at Kotoka International Airport in Accra on 2 July 2007.
The girls denied trying to smuggle 6kg (13lbs) of cocaine into London, claiming they were not aware of the drugs in their luggage and that they had been set up.
However, they were found guilty of drug possession and trafficking in November 2007 and were sentenced to one year in prison back in January.
The teenagers had hoped to be released in April as the had already served three months in a detention centre and Ghanaian authorities have the discretion to take three months off a 12-month sentence for good behaviour. However, just days before their prospective release date the girls were told they would have to serve their sentences in full.
According to Fair Trails Abroad, the two girls are expected to return to the UK by the end of the month.
However, the charity has criticised authorities for failing to punish the "real masterminds behind the operation".
"The girls have served their full sentences, but the men who groomed them and lured them to Ghana remain free to target other vulnerable young women," said Chief Executive Catherine Wolthuizen.
"These men are known to the authorities but have never been prosecuted.
"The girls' experience sends an important warning to young people, but the best protection against further cases of this nature is for the authorities to focus efforts on catching the big fish, not the small fry."
(NS/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 July 2007
British girls in Ghana court on drug smuggling charges
Two British girls have appeared in court in Ghana to face charges of attempting to smuggle cocaine out of the country. Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya, both aged 16, were arrested two weeks ago as they attempted to board a British Airways flight to London from Accra. The pair were allegedly carrying drugs worth £300,000.
British girls in Ghana court on drug smuggling charges
Two British girls have appeared in court in Ghana to face charges of attempting to smuggle cocaine out of the country. Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya, both aged 16, were arrested two weeks ago as they attempted to board a British Airways flight to London from Accra. The pair were allegedly carrying drugs worth £300,000.
22 October 2003
West African children to be treated after polio outbreak
Hundreds of thousands of health workers began an immunisation campaign today aimed at reaching every child in five West African countries within three days to stop a growing threat of polio, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
West African children to be treated after polio outbreak
Hundreds of thousands of health workers began an immunisation campaign today aimed at reaching every child in five West African countries within three days to stop a growing threat of polio, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
21 November 2007
Teen Drug Couriers Found Guilty By Ghana Court
Teenage drug smugglers have been found guilty of trying to smuggle cocaine from Ghana to the UK. The two British 16-year-old girls, Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya, both of north London, were arrested at an airport in Accra on 2 July. They denied the charge of attempting to smuggle more than 6kg (13lbs) of the drug on a BA flight to London.
Teen Drug Couriers Found Guilty By Ghana Court
Teenage drug smugglers have been found guilty of trying to smuggle cocaine from Ghana to the UK. The two British 16-year-old girls, Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya, both of north London, were arrested at an airport in Accra on 2 July. They denied the charge of attempting to smuggle more than 6kg (13lbs) of the drug on a BA flight to London.
13 July 2007
Schoolgirls held in Ghana for drug smuggling
Two British teenagers arrested for suspected drug smuggling in Ghana said they were tricked into taking them to London. The 16-year-olds who were stopped as they tried to board a plane at Accra airport for allegedly carrying cocaine worth £300,000 in laptop bags on July 2.
Schoolgirls held in Ghana for drug smuggling
Two British teenagers arrested for suspected drug smuggling in Ghana said they were tricked into taking them to London. The 16-year-olds who were stopped as they tried to board a plane at Accra airport for allegedly carrying cocaine worth £300,000 in laptop bags on July 2.
17 June 2013
Stuart Hall Sentenced To 15 Months For Sexually Abusing Girls
Stuart Hall has been sentenced to 15 months in jail on 14 charges of sexually abusing girls. The 83-year-old former BBC broadcaster and presenter, pleaded guilty to the offences, which took place between 1967 and 1985. When charged, Hall had called the allegations against him "pernicious, callous, cruel and above all spurious".
Stuart Hall Sentenced To 15 Months For Sexually Abusing Girls
Stuart Hall has been sentenced to 15 months in jail on 14 charges of sexually abusing girls. The 83-year-old former BBC broadcaster and presenter, pleaded guilty to the offences, which took place between 1967 and 1985. When charged, Hall had called the allegations against him "pernicious, callous, cruel and above all spurious".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost for some and some fog patches in places. Cloudier around the coast of Country Down where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
