What began as a sunshine getaway for two young British women has spiralled into a life‑altering ordeal in Jamaica, after both were arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking. The case has since gained significant attention in the UK, fuelled by a viral video posted by one of the mothers on 9 February, which has now surpassed 2.2 million views.

Genevieve (left) and Teraiya (right) enjoying better times on their holiday in Jamaica.

According to family accounts, the women travelled to Jamaica with a friend for what was meant to be a carefree break. However, a favour for a man they believed was named “Paul”,  later identified as Uria Gordon allegedly drew them into a situation they neither anticipated nor understood. Relatives claim the women were deceived, though the full circumstances remain unclear.

Court records identify the women as Teraiya Stapleton and Genevieve Sanoussi. Both were arrested on 20 October 2024 at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay Jamaica after cocaine was allegedly found in their luggage. They were granted bail on 1 November 2024, with the case scheduled to return to court on 18 December 2024.

Women are increasingly targeted by traffickers, often drawn in through trust, pressure or manipulation.

According to the mother Teraiya became pregnant at some point while in Jamaica. The ordeal intensified when Teraiya went into labour during the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which had severely damaged local infrastructure and left the nearest hospital unusable. With emergency services overwhelmed, she was forced to give birth in the back of a taxi, while tryingto reach another hospital. Believing his name was Paul (left), Genevieve and her friend had no idea Uria Gordon was allegedly concealing who he really was.

At trial both women were found guilty and are now awaiting sentencing, with a maximum penalty of up to six years under Jamaican law. The viral video released by one of Teraiya's Mum alleges the women remain in Jamaica for over a year and claims sentencing is expected in March 2026. 

See full video posted on X of the mother outlining the allegations.

A mother's appeal after her daughter's dream holiday to Jamaica turned into a devastating nightmare. Two young British women are facing up to six years in prison. Families say they were deceived and are fighting for justice.

Full story in comments pic.twitter.com/TyxyKdkncv

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) February 11, 2026

Family members in the UK say they are devastated, particularly as the new mother faces the possibility of being separated from her newborn child for years. They also believe that another man, known as Ljorn, alledged to be a cousin of Uria Gordon,  may have been involved in deceiving the women.

Teraiya's Mother (bottom left) also believes that Ljorn (right) was involved in deceiving the young women.

Teraiya's mother has launched a fundraising effort to support legal fees, welfare needs, and the ongoing care of the baby while the case progresses. She described the situation as “a nightmare no parent could ever prepare for.”

JamRadio UK has contacted the FCDO for comment but no reply was recived at the time of publishing. We will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.