Peru drug suspects face 18 years
Peruvian prosecutors have warned that a British and an Irish woman charged with trying to smuggle cocaine worth £1.5 million out of the country could face up to 18 years in jail if they are convicted.
Prosecutors warn Peru pair could face 18 years in jail
Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid could face up to 18 years in prison if convicted, Peruvian prosecutors have warned.
The pair have re-appeared in court after being charged last night after 11kg of cocaine was allegedly found in their luggage at Lima airport two weeks ago.
Both women say they were forced to carry the shipment against their will. Peruvian prosecutors said the crime carried a maximum penalty of 15-18 years in prison.
In a statement, the ministry said: "It should be noted that the prosecution has gathered sufficient evidence to suspect the alleged responsibility of both people."
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British and Irish women held in Peru appear in court
Melissa Reid and Michaela McCollum appeared in court in Lima, but it is unclear whether they have been charged, their lawyer said.
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What the Peru drug accused may face in prison
Two women accused of smuggling 12kg of cocaine into Peru could face up to three years in custody and a maximum of 25 years in prison.
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Peru drug accused 'were smuggling for our lives'
A British woman accused of drug trafficking in Peru said she and her friend "were not smuggling for money, we were smuggling for our lives."