Latest news with #PeruTwo
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Peru Two's Michaella McCollum branded 'stunning' as she dons little black dress
Michaella McCollum, now 31, was arrested in Peru in 2013 for trying to smuggle £1.5 million worth of cocaine out of the country. She was released in 2016 after serving half her sentence and has gone on to turn her life around Michaella McCollum, who once made headlines as one half of the infamous 'Peru Two' drug mules, has wowed her followers with two "stunning" photos from her most recent holiday at another picturesque destination. Now 31, Michaella was introduced to the public in the midst of the scandal over ten years ago. Despite her rocky introduction to fame, the mum, who hails from Northern Ireland, has reinvented herself as an author, sharing the details of her ordeal in a memoir, hauntingly titled You'll Never See Daylight Again. Michaella is also a prolific public speaker and has even taken part in television and production projects for industry heavyweights such as the BBC and Netflix. Back in the summer of 2013, a then 19-year-old Michaella headed to Ibiza solo "on her first holiday", where she unfortunately encountered individuals who convinced her to smuggle 11kg of cocaine, valued at £1.5 million, out of the country. Michaella and her accomplice, Glasgow -born sales assistant Melissa Reid, were seized at Lima airport in Peru after attempting to sneak the drugs onto a flight wrapped in oatmeal and jelly packets - in a bid to mask the scent. Once their smuggling attempt was thwarted, they infamously became known as the Peru Two and were subsequently sentenced to six years and eight months inside the notorious Ancon 2, a high-security prison. Michaella was just 20-years-old when she was sentenced. After serving half of her sentence, Michaella was released on parole on March 31, 2016. Similarly, Melissa was set free that year on June 21, after Peruvian officials decided to "expel" her from the country. In a recent interview on Good Morning Britain, Michaella recounted her past experiences in light of "a growing number of Brits abroad" getting arrested for similar drug-related crimes. Speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, Michaella said: "I think it's alarming that it's all young girls and it's similar stories. "They've all travelled to a country - alone - that they haven't been to before and their families are filing missing persons reports, and they wind up in prison. I mean, it's a similar story to my situation." At the time of her crime, Michaella admitted to being significantly influenced by "a lot" of drugs and alcohol. She also shared how she naively assumed her acquaintances were "safe" because they appeared to abstain from drinking and they didn't "take drugs", which led to her "trusting them" and falsely concluding they were "good people" who "didn't party". These assumptions, she revealed, enabled them to "lure" her into the dark world of drug smuggling. Emerging from the other side transformed, Michaella's post-prison life has been one of reformation; she graduated from the University of Ulster with her twin sons Rio and Rafael cheering her on. Garnering substantial support, the former drug mule now boasts more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly shares snippets of her new life. Michaella is often pictured making the most of her freedom, embarking on jet-setting adventures and exploring scenic spots with her young boys. In a recent social media update, Michaella posted a photo taken in what looks to be her hotel bathroom. In it, she's sporting a sleek black dress that accentuates her toned physique, with her long blonde hair flowing down her shoulders. A second photo features her posing in front of a stunning ocean backdrop, prompting her followers to share their thoughts in the comments. One fan praised Michaella for her story and said: "Just finished your audiobook! Found it to be an inspirational read, quite heartwarming actually, which wasn't expected. Your honesty about the situation came across really well. Well done and good luck with your future endeavours". Another admirer said: "Stunning photos and you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress". Michaella's memoir, You'll Never See Daylight Again, was later adapted into a BBC/Netflix documentary series that she narrated, with the BBC confirming Michaella received no payment for the project.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Peru Two's Michaella McCollum wows in holiday snap after sizzling in bikini
Former drug mule Michaella McCollum, one half of the notorious 'Peru Two', was sentenced to six years and eight months in the notorious high-security prison, Ancon 2, but has since turned her life around Michaella McCollum has impressed followers with two 'stunning' photos captured on holiday at a beautiful location. The 31-year-old first hit the headlines as one half of the infamous 'Peru Two' drug mules more than a decade ago. Despite a tumultuous foray into the spotlight, the Northern Ireland native has since gone on to become an author, writing a memoir about her experience with the anxiety-inducing title, You'll Never See Daylight Again. She also works as a public speaker and has completed television and production work with titans like the BBC and Netflix. The former drug mule had ventured to Ibiza in the summer of 2013 at just 19-years-old 'on her first holiday' before meeting the people who convinced her to transport 11kg of cocaine - worth £1.5 million - out of the country. She and Glasgow-born sales assistant Melissa Reid were caught and arrested at Lima airport, Peru. The duo had tried to conceal the drugs in sachets of oatmeal and jelly, in the hopes of disguising the smell. After their plan failed, they were dubbed the Peru Two and went on to be sentenced to six years and eight months in the notorious high-security prison, Ancon 2. Michaella was 20 years old at the time. Michaella was granted parole on March 31, 2016, after serving half of her sentence. Her accomplice Melissa was also freed that same year, on June 21, after Peruvian authorities agreed to 'expel' her from the country. In a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, Michaella reflected on her ordeal in the wake of a 'growing number of Brits abroad' being arrested for similar drug-related offences. Speaking with presenters Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, Michaella said: 'I think it's alarming that it's all young girls and it's similar stories. 'They've all travelled to a country - alone - that they haven't been to before and their families are filing missing persons reports, and they wind up in prison. I mean, it's a similar story to my situation.' Michaella confessed to being under the influence of 'a lot' of drugs and alcohol at the time of her crime. She believed the people she was spending time with were 'safe' because they didn't drink or 'take drugs'. This led to her 'trusting them' and thinking they were 'good people' because they 'didn't party', which helped them to 'lure' her into becoming a drug trafficker. Since her experience and time in prison, Michaella has completely turned her life around. She went on to graduate from the University of Ulster, and her twin boys - Rio and Rafael - were by her side. After her candid openness about her experience, the former drug mule has cultivated a loyal following on social media. On Instagram, she boasts more than 100,000 followers. She regularly posts updates about her life and can often be seen exploring exotic and picturesque locations with her young boys in tow. In a recent post on the popular social media platform, Michaella shared a selfie from the bathroom of what appears to be her hotel room. In it, the blonde mum can be seen in a figure hugging black dress while her long hair cascades over her shoulders. In the second image, she is standing in front of the ocean. Followers were keen to share their thoughts in the comments section. One person said: 'Just finished your audiobook! Found it to be an inspirational read, quite heartwarming actually, which wasn't expected. Your honesty about the situation came across really well. Well done and good luck with your future endeavours'. Another added: 'Stunning photos and you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress'. Michaella's memoir, You'll Never See Daylight Again, was later turned into a five-part BBC/Netflix series which she narrated. The BBC later confirmed Michaella didn't receive payment for the documentary.
Irish Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Michaella McCollum says it's 'alarming' young women still targeted by drug gangs
'Peru Two' drug mule Michaella McCollum has said it's alarming that young women are still being targeted by drugs gangs to transport narcotics. The Tyrone woman, who spent three years in a jail in Peru on smuggling charges, made the remarks in the wake of the arrest of Bella May Culley, 18, and Charlotte May Lee, 21 for alleged drug smuggling. Michaella, part of the infamous Peru Two with Scottish woman Melissa Reid, had been sentenced to more than six years' imprisonment in 2013, but was granted early release in 2016. The two were caught at Jorge Chávez International Airport in August 2013 with 11kg of cocaine in their suitcases hidden in cereal packets. It was worth almost €2 million. Michaella appeared on TV show Good Morning Britain yesterday to discuss the recent high-profile arrests of Culley in Georgia and Lee in Sri Lanka. Host Richard Madeley said: "More and more, and more, mostly young people, a lot of them women, are taking phenomenal risks in taking Class A drugs into countries such as Bali, who have the death penalty if you get caught. "What is your reading of this? What is happening?" Dungannon woman Michaella, 31, replied: "I feel like it's something that's always been happening... "I think it's alarming that it's all young girls, it's similar stories, they've all travelled to a country alone that they haven't been to before and their families are filing missing person reports and they wind up in prison. "I mean, it's a similar story to my situation." She added: "I had went to Ibiza when I was 19, it was the first time I had ever left the UK. It was my first holiday. "Within two weeks, I started making friendships and relationships, and I made a friendship with this group of people that ended up luring me into trafficking drugs." Host Susanna Reid asked: "When you say luring you into, what did they do?" Michaella replied: "I had this safe group of people... they didn't take drugs, they didn't take alcohol, so I was inclined to spend more time with them and I guess I trusted them because.. they didn't party, they didn't do anything." She added: "These organisations, they have people that are pickers, and their job mainly is to pick people to become mules. "They will target their vulnerabilities." Michaella revealed she was offered £5,000 (€5,930) to smuggle drugs. On how she expected to take the drugs, Michaella continued: "They didn't communicate this until the very last moment. They told me I would take one package... "When I arrived at Peru, I realised there was 16 packages that I had to hide in my suitcase. "I didn't have enough space in my suitcase, and I was just like, 'What am I supposed to do?' "Do I leave these drugs now and just go?' "You are under this fear of what to do. "The information, they feed it to you little by little."
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Peru Two's Michaella McCollum says Brit 'drug mules' won't survive prison
Michaella McCollum, who served three years in a Peruvian jail on drug smuggling charges, has extended her sympathies to Bella May Culley and Charlotte May Lee, both of whom face lengthy sentences she says would be far beyond her own limit Peru Two's Michaella McCollum has issued a startling warning to Bella May Culley and Charlotte May Lee, both of whom are currently awaiting trial overseas on charges of international drug smuggling. Teeside teen Bella was arrested in Georgia, where she was allegedly caught trying to smuggle 14kg of cannabis into the country. The 18-year-old nursing student, who claims she is pregnant, is currently being held behind the squalid walls of Tbilisi Prison Number 5, and could face a life sentence of convicted. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Charlotte now faces a possible sentence of 20 to 25 years behind bars following her arrest in Sri Lanka. The Coulsdon-born former TUI air hostess was allegedly caught with two suitcases containing synthetic cannabis worth £1.2 million. Both of the young women, who are not believed to be linked, deny the charges they face. For now, they await their fates far from home, and, should the worst happen, Michaella believes they could be in for a hellish time. In an interview with the Mail Online, Michaella opened up about the three harrowing years she spent behind the bars of a tough prison near the Peruvian capital of Lima after being convicted of drug smuggling. Northern Irish-born Michaella was just 19 years old when she effectively agreed to become a drug mule, a decision she regards as the greatest mistake of her life. Although the now 31-year-old has agreed that she deserved to serve her time, she says three years was her "top limit", and cannot imagine looking ahead to the potentially lengthy sentences currently facing Bella and Charlotte, whom she regards as "victims". Showing sympathy for the plight of the two young women, Michaella, who is now a mum of twin boys, told the publication: "I could not do 20 years in a prison like that,' she says. 'I just couldn't. And that's what those girls are facing." Shedding light on some of the nightmarish conditions she herself faced as an inmate, Michaella, who has now carved out a new life for herself as a public speaker, recalled how she had to look out for maggots in her prison paella, remembering: "I remember how I'd lay all the rice out, to see which grains I could eat and which were maggots. Back home, it was reported that I'd gone on hunger strike, but I hadn't." Michaela's dedicated mum would turn up at the prison with bags of food, waiting outside the prison in the burning heat to feed her incarcerated daughter. She continued: "She'd bring a whole chicken, which I'd eat with my fingers, and there would be cockroaches climbing up onto the table, and I'd just flick them away. I mean, they didn't even bother me, by then. "You become so used to it. And I suppose there is a level of guilt and shame that you feel it's acceptable, even though it isn't."
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Peru Two's Michaella McCollum looks sensational in a purple bikini on the beach in Benidorm - after warning of hell that could await Brits accused of drug trafficking abroad
Peru Two's Michaella McCollum looked sensational in a purple bikini as she soaked up the sun on the beach in Benidorm on Wednesday. As one of the notorious Peru Two, Michaella, 31, served three years in a hardcore prison near Lima when she was convicted of drug smuggling. But she has now turned her life around, becoming mother of two, a public speaker and influencer - who this week warned of the hell that could await Brits accused of drug trafficking abroad. It comes as the arrests of Bella May Culley, 18, and Charlotte May Lee, 21, have made global headlines in recent weeks as they face drug smuggling charges that could see them locked up for up to 20 years. As she hit the beach, Michaella showed off her toned figure in the Louis Vuitton two piece as she cooled off in the sea. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Michaella - who had a boob job at the end of last year - wore her blonde tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a bronzed makeup look. Just this week she opened up about her time in prison as the two young women face time behind bars. She has vivid memories of prison paella, and the maggots lurking within. 'I remember how I'd lay all the rice out, to see which grains I could eat and which were maggots. Back home, it was reported that I'd gone on hunger strike, but I hadn't.' She also remembers her poor mum arriving, braving corrupt prison guards and six-hour waits in the blazing Peruvian heat, with bags of food, which Michaella would fall upon. 'She'd bring a whole chicken, which I'd eat with my fingers, and there would be cockroaches climbing up onto the table and I'd just flick them away. I mean, they didn't even bother me, by then. 'You become so used to it. And I suppose there is a level of guilt and shame that you feel it's acceptable, even though it isn't.' The cockroaches bother her now, though. She raises her forearm. 'I've got goosebumps, just talking about them. But then... normal. It's astonishing what you adapt to, and how resilient you can be.' Just this week she opened up about her time in prison as the two young women face time behind bars Even her resilience has limits, though. As one of the notorious Peru Two, Michaella served three years in a hardcore prison near Lima when she was convicted of drug smuggling. She does not quibble with the sentence, acknowledging she deserved it, but reckons today that three years was her 'top limit'. 'I could not do 20 years in a prison like that,' she said. 'I just couldn't. And that's what those girls are facing.' By 'those girls' she means the two young British women facing similar drug smuggling charges, currently locked up in prisons that must feel as far from home as hers did. The arrests of Bella May Culley, 18, and Charlotte May Lee, 21, have made global headlines in recent weeks. The cases are unrelated: Bella, from Teesside, is charged with trying to smuggle 14kg of cannabis into Georgia; while Charlotte, from Coulsdon in south London, faces similar charges in Sri Lanka relating to 46kg of synthetic drug kush – which can be 25 times more potent than opioid fentanyl. A few years ago, Michaella wrote a book about her ordeal, which brought understandable criticism from those who feel she should not have been allowed to capitalise on her notoriety Charlotte appeared in court yesterday, handcuffed and tearful. If found guilty, both will be looking at up to 20 years behind bars. Michaella was arrested with 20-year-old Scot Melissa Reid, whom she had never met before their fateful trip from Ibiza to Peru. The pictures of the Peru Two as they came to be known, standing forlornly by mismatching suitcases – Michaella with her then black hair, scraped into a high, 'doughnut' bun – went round the world. And now history appears to be repeating itself. Michaella says it was her mother who first heard about the arrest of Bella Culley and called her. 'The situation was almost exactly the same. Her mum had reported her missing, then it emerged that she'd been arrested. There were such parallels with my case – except it was just in a different country.' Her heart immediately went out to Bella, then to Charlotte, a former TUI air stewardess whose story emerged days later. Both women have denied the charges against them. 'I couldn't help but feel bad for them,' Michaella says. 'They are 19 and 21. Whatever they have done, it's so young to be caught up in something like this, and I know what they are going to go through. And their families. It's the worst thing anybody can have to face.' Bella's situation seems even more precarious. She told the court in Tbilisi that she was pregnant which, if true, adds a layer of horror. 'As a mum, I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to give birth in that sort of place, and to potentially have the child taken from you and put into care,' says Michaella. 'That adds a whole new, terrifying, dimension. It's just incredibly sad.' In some quarters there has been scant public sympathy for these two, which Michaella understands. She challenges it, though. 'It's easy to look at girls like this and think 'how could you be so stupid?' but I look back at myself and think exactly that. 'I don't know the circumstances in detail here, but I do know that of all the women I came across who had been involved in drug smuggling, only about 10 per cent were doing it as a business, who knew the risks and accepted them. 'The vast majority were the victims of some sort of coercion, usually by men. Prisons all over the world are full of women who have been caught up in something like this. 'And the men at the top rarely get caught. The men who pulled all the strings in my case were never held to account.' Ironically, it wasn't until Michaella cooperated with a 2022 Netflix documentary about her case that she started to regard herself as a 'victim'. 'It was when I was watching an actress do some of the re-enactments of my story that I realised there had been exploitation and coercion going on here. 'At the time I was so high (on cocaine) that I could barely walk. Yet the men around me were all sober. I thought they were my friends, but actually they didn't give a s*** about me. 'When you are 19 and 20 you are so hopelessly naive. You don't even know that there are such bad things in the world, never mind that it could happen to you.' Michaella had been offered £5,000 to smuggle those drugs – a pitiful figure, she admits. 'But in a lot of cases like mine the money isn't life changing, which makes me think even more that there is an element of being tricked into it. 'I mean who would risk spending 20 years of your life in prison for £3,000 or £4,000 or even £10,000. Even £50,000 isn't enough. No amount of money is worth your freedom.' A few years ago, Michaella wrote a book about her ordeal, which brought understandable criticism from those who feel she should not have been allowed to capitalise on her notoriety. She denies it was a money-spinner ('the financial return was very small, and I wasn't paid for the Netflix documentary either'). Her account of her three years in Lima's notorious Ancon 2 prison is grim. Michaella shared a 'bedroom' with hundreds of other female inmates, sleeping on concrete bunks 'like a zoo'. The prisoners included a woman who had killed her own child and served the baby up as food for her unfaithful husband, and another who had murdered and dismembered her mother-in-law. Corruption was rife, with guards routinely taking 'food, magazines, books, chocolates' from visitors' bags. Also prevalent was the trading of sexual favours for basics like water. One of the first Spanish phrases Michaella learned was 'don't touch me'. There were specific challenges that came with being white and British. 'That made it worse for us. Some of the guards thought we were princesses. They just see white skin, blue eyes.' She says she was also 'scammed' by legal professionals. 'People see foreigners as money magnets and charge a lot more to help them. I remember looking back and thinking 'we have been robbed'.' Both girls were eventually sentenced to six years and eight months, after pleading guilty to drug trafficking. They ended up serving three years, and were released back home, on parole, in 2016. Michaella knows they were lucky – at one point they were facing 15 years.
