The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family of a Belfast woman arrested in South America on suspicion of smuggling drugs.
20 year-old Michaela McCollum Connolly was reported missing after moving to Ibiza, following eleven days of no contact with her family.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed today that all lines of communication concerning Michaela’s situation is taking place through the Mexican Embassy, the nearest embassy to Peru.
The 20-year-old from Belfast and a 19-year-old girl from Britain were detained by drug police on Tuesday at Jorge Chavez airport in Peru after their luggage was searched while waiting at a check-in desk.
They were waiting at the Air-Europa desk organising their luggage to prepare for their travels to Madrid and then on to Mallorca.
According to the website of the National Police of Peru, a total of over 11kg of cocaine was allegedly discovered in their luggage hidden in food sachets.
Consular help, which also includes support for Michaela’s family has been provided. It’s not yet known when or if her family with make the trip to Peru.
