The family of the Irish woman being held on drugs charges in Peru says they are confident she will be fully exonerated.

Michaela McCollum family have issued a statement saying they are making arrangements to travel to Peru to visit her.

The Irishwoman and her Scottish friend Melissa Reid stand accused of smuggling 11 kilograms of cocaine which was found in their luggage last week.

In a statement released through a solicitor, Michaela’s family says they're "shocked and distressed" at the events that have unfolded in Peru.

The family also says it's arranging legal representation for the 20-year-old.

The former Irish consul general to Peru, Michael Russell, says Michaela McCollum and Melissa Reid could spend years in jail waiting for a trial.

The family solicitor says he has spoken to Michaela McCollum who has denied being guilty of any offence.

He said McCollum was finding it difficult to cope with the situation but that she remained optimistic as she awaits court proceedings.