CHIBA, Japan — An Australian woman recently appeared in a court in Japan, accused of smuggling illegal amphetamines in her suitcase. This appearance comes after nearly two years since her arrest, during which she maintained her innocence, asserting that she had been deceived into transporting the drugs as part of an online romantic scam.
Donna Nelson, a 58-year-old resident from Perth, was apprehended at Narita International Airport near Tokyo. Customs officials discovered around 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of stimulants, specifically phenylaminopropane, concealed within a compartment of her suitcase.
According to Nelson, she received the suitcase from an acquaintance of a man she had met online. She traveled from Laos to Tokyo with the understanding that she would meet him there; however, he failed to appear, as stated by the prosecutors.
As a result of this incident, Nelson was arrested on the spot and faced charges relating to violations of stimulants control and customs regulations. She has since remained in custody for nearly two years, awaiting trial.
The trial commenced shortly after the acquittal of Iwao Hakamada, an 88-year-old former boxer, who had spent decades on death row due to wrongful convictions for murder. His case has brought renewed scrutiny to Japan’s judicial system, known for its opaque investigation procedures and prolonged legal processes.
During the proceedings at the Chiba District Court, Nelson firmly stated that she had no knowledge of the illegal drugs hidden in the suitcase. She maintained that she was simply carrying the suitcase for a man she believed she was in love with.
Prosecutors, however, argued that although the case connects to a romance scam, Nelson was aware of the suitcase’s contents and is guilty of smuggling.
Upon entering the courtroom, Nelson was escorted by guards who removed her handcuffs. As she took her seat for the trial, she frequently glanced at her daughters, who were present in the audience. This marked an emotional reunion for them as it was the first time they had seen one another since her arrest two years earlier. The daughters remain steadfast in their belief of their mother’s innocence.
Kristal Hilaire, one of Nelson’s daughters, expressed her desire for the court to fully grasp her mother’s character, emphasizing that she came to Japan seeking a romantic connection and had no ulterior motives. “She thought she was coming to Japan for her love story. She didn’t have any other intentions other than that,” Hilaire stated, underscoring the family’s determination to support Nelson throughout this ordeal.
Hilaire also mentioned that the family is doing their best to stay strong, so that when Nelson looks at them, she feels their unwavering support.
During the trial, Nelson’s attorney, Rie Nishida, argued that her client is a victim of a romance scam, emphasizing that her trust had been exploited. Nishida also raised concerns about miscommunication with customs officials, noting that their limited proficiency in English may have led to erroneous assumptions regarding Nelson’s awareness of the suitcase’s illegal contents.