17/12/2013

Peru Smuggling Accused Await Sentencing

Sentencing is due to be carried out today (17 December) of the two women accused of smuggling cocaine worth €1.7m out of Peru.

Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone and Melissa Reid, from Glasgow, were arrested in August at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport carrying over 11kg of cocaine.

The women, both aged 20, had claimed that they were forced by an armed gang to carry the drugs, but subsequently pleaded guilty in the hope of a reduced sentenced.

They are due to be to sentenced today at a hearing in Sarita Colonia prison.

(MH/JP)

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