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.
