Foreign Office updates Greece travel advice that could mean a 'long jail sentence' if ignored
Travel guidance for the destination was updated on Wednesday, June 4.
British tourists travelling to Greece this summer have been warned of the penalties for drug smuggling after the Foreign Office updated its travel guidance for the popular holiday hotspot.
Greek travellers are being made aware of improved scanning technology which is now being used at several airports across the country ahead of the holiday season. The updated equipment increases the chance of tourists being caught if they are carrying illegal substances.
Anyone found possessing illegal drugs risk facing long prison terms in brutal conditions with strict punishments.
On June 4, the Foreign Office (FO) updated their travel guidance for Greece. They wrote: "Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.
"Airports in Greece have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers."
The updated guidance comes after an 18-year-old British teenager was arrested and accused of illegally purchasing, possessing and importing substantial amounts of narcotics, including cannabis.
Bella May Culley, from Billingham in Teesside, is thought to have disappeared from Thailand, only to be apprehended at Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia, some 3,700 miles away, on these charges.
According to reports, she was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle 14kg of cannabis into the country.
The 18-year-old has been held there for 55 days as the prosecution continues its investigations. The BBC reports that this might be prolonged by another seven months.
Charlotte May Lee, 21, from south London, is also accused of attempting to smuggle 101lbs (46kg) of the synthetic drug kush in her suitcase into Sri Lanka last month. The former flight attendant denies knowing there were drugs in her luggage and says she believes they were planted there.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
She could face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty.
The FO also advises tourists that the Greek police will arrest them if they are caught behaving rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved.
Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws.
According to the FO website: "The courts are likely to impose a heavy fine or a prison sentence if they judge the behaviour to be illegal. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you miss flights because of an alcohol-related arrest. "
It is also illegal to smoke in indoor public places in Greece, including shopping malls and transport hubs. Anyone caught smoking could get a fine of up to 500 euros.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
27 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner gloats cops ‘will NEVER pin case on me without a body' in sick letter
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MADELEINE McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner has gloated that police will never pin the case on him without a body. In a sickening letter, the German sex fiend, 48, also goaded 'the dropping of the investigation will hit the world like a bomb'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Prime suspect Christian Brueckner goaded cops in a sick letter bragging that they will not find a body Credit: Darren Fletcher 9 British toddler Madeleine McCann disappeared from Praia da Luz in Portugal back in 2007 Credit: AFP 9 Bruckner taunted cops in a letter to claim they cannot find evidence against him 9 Police officers packed up a tent as they ended day one of their search for evidence connected to Madeleine McCann's disappearance Credit: PA The German paedophile bragged in a letter police do not have the evidence to back their accusations against him in the investigation into the toddler's disappearance. And Brueckner, 48, in jail in his homeland for rape, taunted cops, saying: 'Is there a body? No, no no.' The vile letter emerged as officers desperate to find a forensic link to him flew back to Germany after a fresh, three-day search in Portugal. They had combed scrubland close to where Madeleine vanished aged three from a holiday villa in Praia da Luz in 2007. German prosecutors are convinced of the predator's guilt — but he has never been charged and denies any involvement. Last month, a Sun investigation aired on Channel 4 revealed new bombshell evidence found at Brueckner's lair — including a kids' bike and a balaclava mask, as well as toys, guns and memory cards containing child kidnap stories. We revealed that he wrote horrifying fantasies about abducting and abusing a blonde toddler — and how this would leave him 'in paradise'. He also boasted in online forums about his desire to 'capture something small and use it for days'. But, in the verified letter seen by The Sun, Brueckner insists there is no evidence against him. He wrote: 'It is the important questions, the decisive questions that can never be answered. Madeleine McCann cops call off search as trawl of Brueckner's 'rat run' turns up nothing 'Was I or my vehicle clearly seen near the crime scene on the night of the crime? "Is there DNA evidence of me at the crime scene? Are there DNA traces of the injured party in my vehicle? 'Are there other traces/DNA carriers of the injured party in my possession? Photos? 'And, not to forget, is there a body/corpse? All no, no no.' He adds: 'You don't have to be a realist like me to predict that the accusations made against me will not hold up and that the investigation will be dropped.' Brueckner — named as a Madeleine suspect for five years — has also revealed in creepy letters a knowledge of how the German legal system works in his favour. He wrote: 'You know, of course, that in Germany you don't have to prove your innocence as a suspect, but that the public prosecutor's office has to prove that you are clearly guilty. 'Even the slightest doubt leads to an acquittal, if there is a court hearing at all.' 9 Portuguese police are searching various sites in and around the resort of Praia da Luz Credit: Dan Charity 9 The locations are around where Brueckner stayed in his car or in camping grounds Credit: Dan Charity Brueckner even claims the case against him is built on 'purchased witnesses' and reveals his awareness of his global notoriety. He added: 'Now, my path is paved with misjudgements, so to speak, but from now on the whole world is watching. 'Not even the Braunschweig regional court will now dare to make an obvious misjudgement. 'Even if an attempt is currently being made to create a shocking overall picture of me through purchased witnesses, it is the important questions, the decisive questions that can never be answered with 'yes'.' The latest hunt for DNA or forensic links on the case appeared to have ended without success on Thursday. Police were seen taking fibres by hand while a hole was dug at the site of an apparent tent from around the time of Madeleine's disappearance. However, it was unclear whether the search had found anything was found with enough potential value to the case it merited being sent back to Germany for testing. Brueckner had already moved out of his cottage in Praia da Luz when three-year-old Madeleine, from Rothley, Leics, arrived in the resort with parents Gerry and Kate and her two-year-old twin siblings. Those who want to understand how brutal the German justice system is in its attempts to hammer through its own law, even if nothing is true. Christian Brueckner He was living in his car, or wild camping in areas including this week's search site. In another letter seen by The Sun, Brueckner described how he used his drifter lifestyle to avoid detection. He wrote: 'Do you know that I was a drug dealer at that time in 2007? Investigators know this. 'I bought marijuana in Spain and sold it on beaches in the Algarve. 'I was never caught by the police because I followed a few principles. 'If possible, only drive during the day so that my battered hippie bus doesn't attract so much attention, only drive the necessary and most importantly, never provoke the police.' 9 Brueckner has been named as a Madeleine suspect for five years 9 Forensic cops comb scrubland close to where Madeleine vanished aged three from a holiday Credit: Dan Charity He added: 'Together with my dog and a lover at the time I enjoyed the 'temporary hippie life'.' The seeming failure of long-shot searches this week to find any traces of Madeleine is the latest in a string of blows for the case. German authorities, who maintain Madeleine is dead, are racing to find a way to keep dangerous Brueckner behind bars after he was cleared of further rape allegations last year. He told this week he plans to 'hide' when he is released — as soon as September 17 — taking hopes for the Madeleine case with him. The pervert was jailed in 2019 for the 2005 rape of an American pensioner just streets from the Ocean Club, where the McCanns stayed in Praia da Luz. In his letters, he whinges he has been framed so he can be scapegoated over the Madeleine case. Brueckner wrote: 'Right from the start they plotted a miscarriage of justice to make me vanish into thin air. And now half the world knows why.' And he adds: 'I am not exaggerating when I say that 80 per cent of what I have heard from the reports is not true. 'A large proportion of these lies are clearly being spread by the investigating authorities. "My words are directed at those who are taking this seriously and are not laughing about it. 'Those who want to understand how brutal the German justice system is in its attempts to hammer through its own law, even if nothing is true.' The Sun investigation aired on Channel 4 revealed the existence of computer hard drives which were vital in to persuading investigators of Madeleine's death. Our findings placed Brueckner at key Madeleine search point — the Arades Dam, in Portugal. And a document puts him at the location where he allegedly said 'she did not scream' as he discussed her with an associate. In the online message where he brags to another sicko that he really wanted to 'capture something small', he adds it would not matter 'if the evidence is destroyed afterwards'. German investigators last night remained hopeful British police might rejoin the investigation as an active inquiry.
Daily Mirror
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Pride of Britain launches with huge party as Florrie Bark shares hope for future
A huge cruise ship party has kicked off the biggest search for Pride of Britain nominations with a splash - as previous winners and hosts joined the big bash on P&O Cruise's flagship Britannia It didn't matter what the British weather did when Pride of Britain launched its 2025 search for unsung heroes, because when last year's Child of Courage Florrie Bark whizzed on deck in her electric chair – her glorious smile brought the sunshine. With newly grown curls peeking out of her vintage towelling cap, Florrie wore her sunglasses – so come rain or shine, the party on top of P&O Cruises's flagship Britannia to kick off the biggest and best ever search for nominations was going to be a splash. Excited to be catching up with last year's winners again, Pride of Britain hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo greeted winners and their families and all the guests as they came onboard. The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises have been celebrating remarkable people young and old for 26 years. And Carol has been there for all of them. 'I know I also say Pride of Britain is not a show – it's a family, but it genuinely is a privilege and a joy,' said a very happy Carol as she hugged old friends. Also delighted to be back at the helm, Ashley added: 'We can't wait to do Pride of Britain every year. This year's so special because normally after the October awards, everyone goes back to their lives, but this time, we get to catch up with everyone again to launch our hunt for Pride of Britain's class of 2025.' Looking amazing in a royal blue jumpsuit, beside Ashley in a black leather shirt, not even the early thunderstorms were going to rain on Carol's parade at the impressive Pride of Britain launch parade., docked in Southampton, glistened in the sunshine. Guests gathered on the sun terrace on the ship's 17th floor, bedecked with multi-coloured flags, fluttering in the warm breeze over the azure blue swimming and paddling pools. Florrie giggled as she joined the party and spotted the silver and purple clad stilt-walkers dancing, as a brass band played a medley of pop classics, against a distant backdrop of little boats bobbing in the sparkling quayside water. The Isle of White car ferry sounded its fog horn as winners' families happily roasted each other with champagne and orange juice. Last year's winners have been enjoying holidays of a lifetime, thanks to P&O Cruises. And the holiday atmosphere continued on this magical day. 'On the top deck in the sunshine, it felt like we were on holiday with all the winners,' said Ashley. 'We always say Pride of Britain is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, but actually the extraordinary things they have done make them extraordinary!' After the drinks reception, winners and guests mingled with celebrities in the ship's elegant crow's nest, with its plush carpets and gold rails. Everyone gathered for the photo-call with Carol and Ashley, but the kids kept losing their trophies, which just made Florrie giggle more. Little action man Jacob Newsom, who won Fundraiser of the Year, used the chairs in the lounge like an obstacle course, and was rolling around the floor as Carol and Ashley looked on amused. 'I like having an audience,' he yelled, possibly ruining the entire TV interview, but nobody minded. After losing his mum to breast cancer when he was seven, Jacob, now 11, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities. 'I want to be a fighter pilot when I grow up – or a doctor, so I can cure cancer.' Eight-year-old Florrie feels the same. Cancer has touched her life and although her hair is now growing back, she is waiting for a lung transplant. 'I want to be a cancer nurse when I grow up – or like Barbie,' she said sweetly. Lunch was served in the ship's swish Limelight Club, where a pianist tinkled away on the grand piano. Carol chatted with Agnes Nesbitt and Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who both won special recognition awards for founding their charities, over a delicious lunch of beef fillet or sea bream. Ashley and Molly Leonard sat together and caught up on how the award has changed the 27-year-old's life since she won Young Achiever of the Year for her mental health work through crafting. Jeff Brazier - this year's red carpet host - had everyone laughing as he interrupted Ashley's pudding and made him come up on stage to talk about what Pride of Britain meant to him - reminding Carol this was her 26th year. 'When this all began we had 20 categories – and it took four and a half hours on the night – so I pleaded for a co-host,' Carol told the audience, which included Emily Greenwood who was recognised for Outstanding Bravery after she risked own life to swim into icy winter seas in Cornwall. Carol's wish was answered when Ashley came on board five years ago. 'And I really need him when I walk down the stairs on stage in stilettos,' she joked. 'I am Carol's mobile banister,' agreed Ashley, revealing: 'I was asked to collect donations in a bucket for my first year,' he laughed. The Diversity choreographer admits it's changed his life. 'Especially since becoming a dad. Just keeping it together is hard enough for me. 'When I see children like Florrie, I just don't know how parents cope. It really touches me.' Host Jeff chatted to last year's winners Molly and Michelle Tolley about how life changing it was to be nominated. Michelle, from Norfolk, turned 60 on her cruise to the Canary Islands. 'My husband and I renewed our vows for our 40th wedding anniversary – so I was queen of that ship!' Telling the audience she didn't know who nominated her for her work campaigning for victims of the NHS blood scandal, she said: 'There are so many amazing people in the world, there are not enough awards to go around. Infected with Hepatitis C after receiving transfusions, Michelle added: 'Being nominated was life affirming to me – it highlighted our cause and so many people got tested because of it.' Everyone gathered on the top deck to watch as Carol and Ashley cut the ribbon on the brand new nominations booths, which will be popping up all over the country, as the ship set sail on its cruise round the British Isles. For those thinking of nominating someone, Carol explained: 'None of our winners ever set off to win a Pride of Britain Award. Some are caught up in a moment and they find their courage and others are courageous for years and years and decide to help other people.' Finally, it was time for last year's winners to hand on the baton – a Pride of Britain trophy – to the Captain of P&O Cruises Britannia, Paul Brown, who proudly received it and will now sail around the British Isles looking for your nominations. Carol reminded everyone how Pride of Britain is needed more than ever now, saying: 'The world has got noisier and all the news is about people who have behaved badly towards each other. But Pride reminds us of how many good people there are.' Encouraging people to vote for their unsung heroes, she added: 'This is the launch of the nominations process – and then it's throttle to the floor now as we start contacting nominees secretly and surprise them with a celebrity ambush – like Ant and Dec!' As the day's festivities came to an end and the Pride of Britain party left the ship, genuine holidaymakers embarking for their cruise were wondering as they waited for lifts why Carol, Ashley and Jeff had come on their holiday. One traveller could be heard saying, 'Ooh look, it's Carol Vorderman. The entertainment's got an upgrade this year!' Our new look Pride of Britain has been bringing people together for 26 years. Over that time, core values of Bravery, Kindness, Love, Inspiration, Strength, Community and Empathy have become firmly established as the Awards DNA. Now, a stunning new visualisation of the Pride of Britain brand, which is set to be rolled out alongside a refreshed and reimagined logo, brings those values vividly to life. The new brand identity, developed with top creative agency BBD Perfect Storm, is being revealed alongside the official launch of nominations for the 2025 Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises. Each strand represents a core Pride Of Britain value that brings people together for these extraordinary awards, celebrating the very best in people and what they selflessly do for others. Pride Of Britain is the highest-rated Awards of its kind on British television, bringing some of the world 's most famous faces together to celebrate truly extraordinary achievements of people of all ages, from children of courage to lifesaving emergency workers, inspirational fundraisers and people who make the world a better place, in local communities and on a national or even global scale. Jason Foo, CEO at BBD Perfect Storm, said: 'It's been an honour to reimagine the visual identity of such an iconic and beloved event. The Pride of Britain Awards are rooted in values that speak to the very best of humanity – bravery, kindness, strength and community." The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will be screened in primetime on ITV1 in the Autumn. Award categories Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them for a Pride of Britain Award at Don't worry if you're not sure which category to choose – our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award. P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION WARD Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact. ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, aged 18 and over. To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work. THIS MORNING LOCAL HERO For an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale. For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty. For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger. For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger.
NBC News
an hour ago
- NBC News
New details about 2023 Titan submersible implosion revealed in Netflix documentary
An upcoming Netflix documentary reveals new details about the June 2023 Titan submersible, which was traveling to the wreck of the Titanic when it imploded, killing all five people aboard. "Titan: The OceanGate Disaster" looks at the warnings that were ignored about the submersible's designs. David Lochridge, the chief submersible pilot, tried to warn the company's CEO about the potential dangers and was fired for doing so. "There was nothing safe on that vehicle at all, hence why I raised my concerns verbally and also put them down on paper as well," Lochridge told the "TODAY" show. "When I raised the concerns and put them down on paper, on my quality inspection report, I was subsequently taken into the boardroom. Over a two-hour 10-minute period, I was dismissed from the company. So I was fired, basically." A part of Lochridge's job was to assist with the build of the submersible and then take the paying customers down to the wreck. OceanGate charged passengers $250,000 apiece to visit the site. Lochridge said he expressed his concerns over the course of the submersible being built. Part of his worries stemmed from the carbon fiber design of the submersible, which he said wasn't safe for deep dives. He also filed a federal whistleblower complaint and lawsuit to try and get the warning out to the public. The underwater vessel disappeared June 18 after officials said it suffered a " catastrophic implosion." OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, 61, who was piloting the Titan; deep sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, who was experienced in visiting the Titanic wreck site; British tycoon Hamish Harding, 58; and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman, 19, were killed. OceanGate said in a statement Thursday: "We again offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who died on June 18, 2023, and to all those impacted by the tragedy." The company said it "permanently wound down its operations" after the tragedy and is fully cooperating with investigations being conducted by the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board.
