An appeal has been renewed to identify “St Helier Woman”, a suspected human trafficking victim who died after carrying drug packages in her stomach.

Locate International is searching for her and will feature her story on BBC Crimewatch Live at 10.45am tomorrow (Thursday, October 3).

The charity wants to honour and find the identity of the woman who was found outside of St Helier Hospital in Sutton back in May 2006.

When she was found, the woman was complaining of severe abdominal pain.

It was later discovered that she was carrying drug packages in her stomach, but she was unable to give hospital staff clear information before she died.

Locate International believes she may have been a victim of human trafficking.

The charity would like to speak to:

  • Individuals who worked at or visited St Helier Hospital on the day she died.
  • Members or organisers of community action groups that support people from the Ghanaian community.
  • As her country of origin is still to be confirmed, anyone with connections to the West African community in Sutton and beyond.
  • Churches or religious groups that support migrant or African communities in the area.
  • Local business owners, shops, or services around St Helier Hospital who may remember interactions.
  • Housing or charity workers / organisations that provide accommodation or support for new arrivals and asylum seekers.

It is known that the woman was middle-aged, likely in her late 40s.

She was around five feet and nine inches tall with a “heavy build”.

It is believed that she may be Ghanian as police later confirmed that she had flown in from Ghana, but her home country remains unconfirmed.

She gave hospital staff the name “Mary Kofi” and stated her date of birth as April 27, 1957, however, it’s unclear if this information is accurate.

She had a scarf and a handkerchief with an “Argent Swallow” logo, bird imagery, and characters that may be of a Chinese origin.

Dave Grimstead, Founder of Locate International, said: "We are thankful for the community’s response so far, but we know there is more help needed to bring this woman back to her identity.

“By featuring her case on Crimewatch Live, we hope to reach those who can help and bring closure to this long-standing mystery."

The charity is also searching for local businesses who would be happy to help publicise its appeal and volunteers to help print and distribute flyers and posters.

For more information or to assist with the appeal, please contact Freya Couzens, Director of Communications, at media@locate.international.

Locate International is a registered charity dedicated to locating the missing and naming the unidentified, ensuring that every possible effort has been made to bring answers to families.