Warning! Warning!! Warning!!!
Time is too precious, use yours wisely. Open your eyes and ears, think carefully before you accept any offer of quick riches.
Almost everybody would jump at the kind of offer that can change their lives without much struggle. But I am here to advise you to STOP! – think carefully whenever such an offer comes knocking at your door. I am a big victim. I was deceived into bringing dangerous drugs into Hong Kong.
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Setting the stage
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It all started when I got communicating with my ex, whom after much talking told me how well life had treated him and enquired about mine. I explained my situation, how God had blessed us until my spouse fell ill, and how we have been battling with the illness, going from one hospital to the other, from one prayer house to the other. I also told him about my general life struggles.
He promised to assist me, along the line he wanted us to start having an affair, but I bluntly refused. He then told me what he is dealing with, that he made his money through drug pushing, he said he could introduce me into the business if I wanted.
I told him my fears and because I’m a godly woman I cannot get involved in such a deal. That he should please connect me to someone in my line of business that I couldn’t possibly do drugs.
Based on this, he became annoyed and stopped communicating for a while. After a long time, he called and told me he had spoken with someone who is dealing on the same business as me. He told me that the guy is a nice person and that he is actually looking for someone in our country who is trust-worthy so both of them can do business then, he recommended me to him.
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Cultivating trust
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After a few days, the guy called and we talked at length. I told him how I longed to travel to China to buy goods. He started sending things but chose things that were not the kind I liked since they were not trendy or fashionable.
He started processing my papers. He became a family friend, he even talked to my spouse from time to time and also helped me a few times with my family needs.
Having tried to get a China visa without success, he called me one day and said Hong Kong was issuing visas, maybe I should come to Hong Kong first then both of us could proceed to China to buy the goods and that will also enable him to link me up with some companies that will be sending goods down to the country sometimes for me. The whole idea sounded great. I was extremely excited. He told me to make sure that I collect some money that he had paid in Bank of China, he even sent the receipt. I did all that he instructed.
When everything was set and I was to leave the next day, he called and sent a phone number of a person that would call me and that I should help him collect a parcel, which I did with all gladness.
On getting home, he called me and instructed me to open the bag, he told me what to do, and immediately I began panicking. God! He went on and on telling what to do and what not to do. I was most afraid when he said I shouldn’t let my spouse know about it.
I then asked him what that was, he said it was some kind of drugs, as in medicine. Then I asked why I should bring it over in the manner he has instructed, he told me that it is because they don’t have the license so that is why he brings it through this means. I tried to persuade him to tell me the truth but he assured me and said I should please try that he needs those for his health but I should keep it a secret, that it won’t hurt or harm me.
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Blocking all exits
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That moment, I thought about my life, the situation, everything. I thought of the huge amount I had borrowed with interest. The thought of my family finances plagued my heart.
Right then I knew I was in trouble, whatever this guy wanted me to do was illegal. I became frightened. I thought back and forth. I thought of my house rent, school fees, hospital bills, interest on the loan. I thought about the great opportunities awaiting me should I make this move of going abroad to buy my goods… the great opportunity I have been dreaming about is right now looming in front of me. The time to taking my business to the next level that I could change my situation for life, or to back out right now?
The choice was there… I also thought about it. The confusion and disappointment. Immediately, I decided to do exactly what I was asked to do. I couldn’t afford to say no at this stage.
I came back to my real senses after I had said my prayers in the plane.
Finally, I got arrested at Hong Kong International Airport. When I was asked what I had I simply told them it was a parcel. They opened it and found out that it was the dangerous drug cocaine that the monster asked me to bring.
I became completely devastated, unable to speak or move. In my 37 years on Earth, that was my first time to see cocaine.
Now I am trapped – propping and stumbling in prison waiting to be convicted of a crime I was actually tricked into.
Reflection
The big questions I kept asking myself “What have I gotten myself into? What happens to my sick spouse? What is the fate of my innocent children? The loan and my business?” What have I gained now if not wrestling with frustration. I am critically injured at heart. Each time I look into the mirror of my life I see the mistakes looming right by my side threatening to consume me with guilt and shame.
The family I risked so I could ease their suffering is suffering even harder now. The children have dropped out of school, the load is accumulating by the day.
Burdens, sadness, troubles, frustration, devastation, ignorance, selfishness, greed, lust… all these life’s seasons of drought and drenching storms can cause one to groan and have the urge to messy thoughts and wrong choices.
Although our particular situation may vary, we may all likely endure difficult struggles and overwhelming circumstances that could easily cause us to give in to fear. In those moments, my dear reader, PAUSE and think about the consequences indulging in illegal activities not only have serious repercussions but also ruin our lives and affect our loved ones, and the society at large.
For those of you who have children, you should be careful so that your children will not suffer the consequences of your carelessness. The pain of being in prison has no comparison. The humiliation, disgrace, shame, agony and frustration. No freedom, no choice, is it to mention the nasty behaviour of the inmates… Living in a prison is like living in second hell. I don’t wish even my enemy to go through that.
Now I have learned my lesson in a hard way. I now know that life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments. Make haste while the sun shines; I also know now that time is indeed too precious, I advise you use your wisdom.
Even in your times of genuine struggle and pain, please be still. For it is better to live in a day-tight compartment than living in prison. Try to live one day at a time, every day is a new life to a wise man.
For those of you who are dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon – instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside your windows today, be careful, Hong Kong does not take it lightly when it comes to breaking the law.
No case is a small case as far as Hong Kong is concerned. Be warned! “A word they say is enough for the wise.”
Please help share this true life story with everyone you know – help save someone’s life. So many people have lost their minds as a result of this.
Beware of the drug lords!! They do have different ways of recruiting people into this. Do not get carried away by their promises. They certainly will not suffer with you in prison. Once you get arrested they will forget about you and move on to the next target.Be wise, save yourself the regret of IF I HAD KNOWN.
Note: this letter has been edited for length and grammatical errors.
