A British couple both aged 20, are facing 30 years in Turkish jail after “trying to smuggle two suitcases of cannabis to the UK”.

A young British couple are facing up to 30 years in a Turkish jail for allegedly trying to smuggle two suitcases packed with cannabis to the UK.

Holly Cooper and her boyfriend Taylor Johnson, both 20, were collared within minutes of landing at Istanbul on a flight from Thailand.

Holly Cooper and her boyfriend Taylor Johnson, both 20, were collared within minutes of landing at Istanbul on a flight from Thailand. Picture: Facebook
Customs officers swooped as they headed to catch their connecting flight to London and whisked them off to an interview room.

After initial questioning they were thrown in an overcrowded, violent holding cell where Mr Johnson was allegedly beaten up by Turkish thugs, family sources claimed.

They were formally arrested at the court in Istanbul and initially detained.

They were then being moved to a jail ahead of their next appearance as prosecutors prepare a case against them.

Holly posted holiday pics in February from Gran Canaria — where they may allegedly have been recruited. Picture: Facebook
But it could be a year before it comes to trial and they do not have their own lawyers — they are being represented by public defenders.

Friends have launched a crowd-funding appeal to cover legal fees as the couple’s families wait for an update.

Their relatives are said to be distraught at the Midnight Express-style ordeal the pair face.