Dance teacher is detained in Taiwan for a month after an 'item' is found in his suitcase: As his worried family speak out

Published: 21:33, 22 July 2026 | Updated: 21:55, 22 July 2026 A 25-year-old dance teacher has been detained in Taiwan after authorities found an 'item' in the suitcase he was carrying.  Lewis Potter has been stuck in Taiwan since June after being taken into custody when the suitcase he had agreed to take for a 'trusted friend' was detained.  His devastated family said they are 'heartbroken' and have had no contact with Lewis for over a month, leaving them living in a 'nightmare' and searching for answers.  Andrina Law, his mother, said: 'As a family, we are heartbroken. We are extremely close, and having Lewis so far away has left a huge hole in our lives.  'For over a month, we had no contact with him and didn't know what had happened. The uncertainty, the language barrier and the seven-hour time difference have made this one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced.  'Every day has felt like a nightmare, and all we want is to know that our son is safe and to give him the best possible chance of getting through this. 'We are also deeply worried about Lewis's mental health and wellbeing. He is alone in a foreign country, unable to communicate with his family, and we haven't even been able to hear his voice.  'As parents, not knowing how he is coping has been absolutely heartbreaking.' Lewis Potter (pictured) is detained in Taiwan after an 'item' was found in his suitcase  The 25-year-old dance teacher had allegedly taken a friend's suitcase to the country after they pulled out from the trip  Ms Law, from Fife, added that her son had been detained by the authorities after a 'substance' was found in a suitcase he was carrying, which her son has repeatedly denied knowledge of.  She added that Lewis had initially planned to travel to Taiwan with a friend, who pulled out shortly before the trip.  The friend then allegedly asked Lewis to take his suitcase for him instead, with Ms Law saying: 'Lewis says this was someone he trusted, and he had no reason to believe there was anything wrong with the suitcase.'   Ms Law added: 'His case is currently under investigation, and he is receiving legal representation as the legal process continues.'   Lewis' family have set up a crowdfunder to raise money for Lewis' legal fees, which has so far raised £1,340. A link to the fundraiser can be found here.   The 25-year-old dance teacher and tutor at LP Creative, who graduated from Liverpool Theatre School, planned to visit Taiwan on a trip.  His family said: 'Lewis is only 25 years old and is a professional dance teacher who has dedicated his life to helping children and young people through dance.  'He owns his own dance business and spends his days inspiring children of all ages to grow in confidence and follow their dreams.  'Anyone who knows Lewis knows what an incredible person he is. He is kind, caring, hardworking and always puts others before himself.  'He has an amazing ability to make people smile, even when he is facing challenges of his own. He is a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend, and his absence has left an enormous hole in all of our lives.'  The family said they are now facing legal fees of around £12,000 to get Lewis back to the UK, with £6,000 required during the current investigation and a further £6,000 if the case proceeds to court.  The Daily Mail contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.