Two women accused of trying to smuggle €1.7 million worth of cocaine out of Peru have arrived in court.
Michaella McCollum from Co. Tyrone and Melissa Reid from Scotland were caught while trying to board a flight two weeks ago.
The two girls made international headlines when they were arrested earlier this month. Police claim they found 11 kilos of cocaine hidden inside food packages in their luggage as they tried to board a flight from Lima to Madrid.
Since their arrest officers have been preparing a file for the public prosecutor in Peru who will ultimately decide whether charges should be brought.
The women who are both aged 20 have been brought from their holding cell to court and will soon learn their fate. Both say they were forced to carry the drugs by drug traffickers in Peru.
Yesterday CCTV emerged which police officers say show Michaella walking freely around Lima on a day she claims she was being held at gunpoint. Her lawyer has dismissed these claims as totally false.
If charges are brought today the two accused would be moved to Santa Monica - a women's prison - while they await trial.
Reporter with The Evening Herald, Claire Murphy, is following developments in Lima.
