What started as a “honeymoon” trip to Manchester ended in handcuffs for a Malaysian couple after UK Border Force officers uncovered a suitcase full of cannabis.
Jeng Chow, 30, and his fiancée Ley Wat, 25, had flown all the way from Malaysia with 28 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana hidden in their luggage.
But instead of sightseeing or celebrating love, they found themselves in a courtroom—and eventually behind bars.
Arrested at the Airport with £99,000 Worth of Cannabis
The couple had landed at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 back in April, following a layover in Qatar.
According to prosecutors, they were stopped by Border Force agents and taken in for questioning.
Their luggage revealed a stash of cannabis estimated to be worth £99,000 wholesale—with the street value likely even higher.
Chow claimed during initial questioning that they were married and simply in the UK for their honeymoon.
However, when pressed for more details, he refused to answer further, giving “no comment” responses.
Wat, meanwhile, initially said she thought her suitcase was carrying bottles of alcohol.
Court Hears of Money Troubles and Third Parties
Later, Wat admitted she and Chow had been in contact with a third party who had arranged for the drugs to be picked up at the airport.
The plan was simple: deliver the goods, get paid.
The court heard Wat had been struggling with debt, which may have pushed her into taking part in the scheme.
Chow, on the other hand, had no previous criminal history and was said to have been employed in a legitimate job back home.
According to his lawyer, Mark Shanks, he got pulled into the drug operation through Wat’s connections and was promised £800 for his role.
Emotional Courtroom Moment Before Sentencing
As the pair sat side by side in the dock at Minshull Street Crown Court, there was a brief, emotional moment—they shared a hug and kiss before learning their fate.
Both admitted to being involved in trying to bring the Class B drugs into the UK illegally.
Wat’s lawyer, Richard Vardon, described how the experience of being in prison had been a “huge shock” to her and that she deeply regrets her decision.
He added that she’s eager to return to Malaysia and be reunited with her family.
Sentenced and Set to Be Deported
Judge Recorder Sarah Holt sentenced both Chow and Wat to one year and three months in prison.
Once they’ve served their time, they will be deported back to Malaysia.
Neither of them had any prior convictions, but this one costly mistake turned what was supposed to be a joyful holiday into a lesson in hard consequences.