A teenager from Scotland is facing accusations of being a drug courier and spent the Christmas holiday in a Qatari prison while his mother was far away. Lino Neil, an 18-year-old champion fisherman, spent the festive season in a crowded cell in Doha before being transferred to the Central Prison in the city. He claims that he was forced to transport a suitcase filled with cannabis from Thailand to Dublin but was caught in Doha, where drug-related crimes are treated seriously.
The teenager’s family, originally from Drymen near Stirling, shared how he contacted them in a state of panic upon realizing the severity of his situation in the Gulf nation. His arrest at Hamad International Airport on November 21 coincides with a rise in the use of drug mules from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.
Beki Wright, the head of the National Crime Agency’s Borders Threat Team, recently warned about criminal organizations luring unsuspecting young Brits into smuggling drugs in exchange for promises of luxurious vacations. Lino’s mother, Nicola, expressed her belief that her son, known for his skills in salmon fishing, was manipulated by criminals. She emphasized his distress and fear while in the Qatari prison and pleaded for his safe return home.
The family is facing financial strain due to the legal expenses for Lino’s trial in Doha, which could amount to £40,000. They have already raised approximately £2500 to secure a solicitor for his initial court appearance. Nicola disclosed the toll her son’s ordeal has taken on her mental health, requiring medication to cope with the stress.
Lino is scheduled to appear in court on January 27, where he intends to argue that a British expatriate coerced him into carrying the cannabis. His brother Robbie shared that Lino had traveled to Thailand for a vacation but was unexpectedly detained in Doha. Robbie highlighted the distressing experience Lino endured at the airport and subsequent transfer to the Central Prison.
The family remains hopeful that the Qatari authorities will acknowledge the coercion Lino faced and facilitate his return home. Robbie emphasized that his brother’s innocence in drug dealings, portraying him as a young individual passionate about fishing. Their primary concern remains ensuring Lino’s safe repatriation.