Allow me to share my story about how I got involved in dangerous drugs trafficking to Hong Kong.
I come from a family of four: my mother, father, younger sister, and me. In 2010, I lost my mother to a pulmonary disease, followed by my grandmother shortly after. I began to experience heartaches, sleepless nights, anxiety, and a feeling of emptiness. I went to the doctor, describing my symptoms, and was told I might have a brain tumor. After several tests, the doctor confirmed I was physically healthy but emotionally under extreme stress. I am still on medication for depression.
Determined to heal, I challenged myself to complete my college education while raising two children alone and working full-time. I developed an overwhelming urge to prove something to myself. Despite every reason to quit—lack of sleep, money, and resources—I earned my college degree. My plans were to graduate and find a good job, but life didn’t go as I hoped.
I felt sad yet empowered, knowing I had the fortitude to press on, especially for my daughter. I remember reading her congratulatory card: “Someday I hope to make you as proud of me as I am proud of you.” I was devastated, knowing my daughter needed a substantial amount of money to join high school.
“Someday I hope to make you as proud of me as I am proud of you.”
Fatal Decision
In despair, I cried out, “Lord, I can’t figure this out. What am I supposed to do to change my situation?” Before I knew it, I called my friend S, who promised a solution but asked to meet in person. I arranged the meeting immediately.
Afterwards, I felt lost again. How could I explain to my daughter that she wouldn’t be starting high school in January? As a desperate mother, I made the worst decision of my life, which ruined everything. I decided to come to Hong Kong, carrying drugs.
I arrived safely at the airport in Hong Kong, my final destination. After being intercepted by customs officers, they conducted a thorough search of my bag and stripped me naked. Finding nothing on my body or in my bag, I thought I was lucky. However, I was soon handed a piece of paper to sign for a full-body X-ray. In that moment, I felt deflated, as if the wind had been sucked out of me. I cursed myself and resented everything. “Who will care for my children? Who will provide their education?”
Pride quickly faded away. I screamed internally, “It’s over.” My elaborate scheme to maintain an image of viability collapsed. I was taken to a hospital, where I was admitted and given medication to remove the capsules of cocaine I’d swallowed.
Later, I was transferred to a prison, where I have been for almost seven months, separated from my children.
Life in Prison
Every night is filled with loneliness. I miss being a good mother. In my bed, guilt and sadness overwhelm me as I pray for forgiveness.
If you asked me, my safest and most comfortable place is at home with my children, even without food. Here, we are allowed only one call to family each month. There’s no internet and no visitors—it’s incredibly sad.
I can’t sleep without the help of pills and antidepressants.
Before the year ended, an angel appeared in my life. He might not know it, but he rescued me by covering a year of school fees for my daughter, providing all the essentials.
Now that I’ve exposed my vulnerabilities, I hope you see that I am simply a woman from humble beginnings. Please learn from my mistakes. Do not rely on quick money, as I did, which cost me my family and my children’s future.
Today, I pray that sharing my story and the dangers of drugs can help set me free—and help you, too. Don’t do it. The pain and sadness of leaving your children behind is unbearable. No child deserves this nightmare.
Please, learn from our stories. Avoid drugs and trafficking. Seek a job instead; there is no quick money without consequences. Pray to God for a better path.
I still have things to forgive myself for, and areas in which I need to grow. Today, I ask the judge for a second chance. I’m not a criminal; I was deceived and taken advantage of. I beg for your understanding. Please allow me to be with my children and educate them. I don’t want them to become victims like me.
To you, my dear friend, you led me into a hellish situation, taking me away from my children. God is watching. I forgive you, but I will never forget.
Note: This story has been edited to improve the clarity of the story. To see the original letter please see images below
