Court Upholds Sentence: Australian Woman's Drug Trafficking Appeal Dismissed in Japan

Tokyo, September 25 (AP) - On Thursday, a Japanese court dismissed the appeal of an Australian woman, Donna Nelson, who claimed she was deceived into smuggling drugs by a man she intended to marry. The court upheld a six-year prison sentence issued by a lower court.

The Tokyo High Court found 59-year-old Nelson, from Perth, Australia, guilty of breaching stimulants control and customs laws. The Chiba District Court had earlier sentenced her in December to six years in prison and a fine of 1 million Yen (approximately USD 6,725).

Nelson was apprehended at Japan's Narita International Airport, located near Tokyo, on January 3, 2023. Customs officials discovered about 2 kilograms of amphetamines concealed under a false bottom in a suitcase she had checked in as luggage.

Nelson argued in court that she was unaware of the drugs hidden in the suitcase, claiming she was carrying it for a man she intended to marry.

She recounted meeting a man online in 2020 named Kelly, who claimed to be a Nigerian fashion business owner. In 2023, he financially supported her travel to Japan via Laos and asked her to collect dress samples from an acquaintance there. She was supposed to meet him in Japan, but he never turned up.

On Thursday, presiding Judge Takeshi Irie dismissed the arguments of Nelson's defense lawyers, who sought her acquittal. They argued that she was a victim of a romance scam and lacked awareness or intent to engage in drug trafficking for profit.

Judge Irie asserted that Nelson was fully capable and had ample time to discern that the man's request was dubious.

During the sentencing, Nelson, dressed in a dark blue suit, sat before the judge, listening quietly and occasionally shaking her head.

The judge noted that Nelson has 14 days to decide whether to appeal to Japan's top court.

Her daughter, Kristal Hilaire, said that her mother has not yet made a decision regarding an appeal.

After the verdict, Hilaire expressed her difficulty in listening to the sentencing. “I felt it was wrong... At times, I didn't really want to hear it,” she said. “I had been so hopeful that this was going to be the end. It's very tiring to keep fighting this fight. I just thought we all would be able to rest and be going home with her.” (AP)

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