A British woman who says her daughter was “wrongfully convicted” in Jamaica for drug smuggling has launched a fundraiser for legal support to get her home.
Sheryl Gentles, whose daughter Teraiya Stapleton was arrested along with her friend Genevieve Sanoussi and charged with drug smuggling stood trial where they were found guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The pair both 21 were found with several packages of cocaine totalling more than five pounds hidden inside several pairs of trainers when they were held at Sangster International Airport on October 20 2025.
They were on their way back from a holiday in the Caribbean island, when they were both stopped at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
Officials say the pair had several packages of cocaine hidden inside several pairs of footwear, according to the Jamaican Observer.
The two women were found guilty of drugs offences and are now facing many years in a Jamaican prison.
Speaking from London Sheryl Gentles claims the illegal contents were concealed without her daughter’s “knowledge or intent”, and says she’s aiming to “seek justice” and is raising money on JustGiving.
“We are working to raise enough money to bring an experienced British barrister to Jamaica to properly review the case, challenge the evidence, and fight to clear her name and reputation.”
She adds: “She travelled with a friend she had known and trusted for over eight years.
“She was unknowingly placed in a situation where she was used and misled. Teraiya had been told that she was taking ‘shoes’ back to the UK however, these shoes concealed illegal contents without her knowledge or intent.
“Despite maintaining her innocence, she has been found guilty and is now facing a potential minimum of six years in a Jamaican prison.
“The costs of international legal representation, travel, documentation, and court proceedings are extremely high, and our family cannot manage this alone.
“Every contribution helps us move closer to ensuring she receives fair representation and the opportunity to present the full truth.
“Thank you for your support, compassion, and for helping us seek justice.”
An FCDO Spokesperson said : “We are providing consular support to two British nationals detained in Jamaica and are in contact with the local authorities and their families.”