News | WorldMelissa Reid: 'Peru Two' drug mule flying back to UK after release from prisonJamie Micklethwaite22 June 2016A British ‘drug mule’ is flying back to the UK after being released from a Peruvian prison.Mellissa Reid, 22, was arrested with her friend Michaela McCollum after being caught with £1.5 million of cocaine at Lima airport while attempting to board a flight to Madrid.After striking a plea deal for a reduced term, the pair were sentenced to six years and eight months in jail.Reid, from Lenzie in Glasgow, has qualified for an early release scheme for foreign prisoners under Peruvian law. Melissa Reid and Michaella McCollum Connolly 1/7 She arrived at Lima airport yesterday evening with her father William and is thought to be returning via AmsterdamRead MoreDrugs mule Melissa Reid 'to be released from prison in Peru'Peru drug mule Melissa Reid set for return to UKPeru drugs mule Melissa Reid could return to UK for rest of smuggling sentenceOfficials found the 11kg stash of cocaine hidden inside food packets inside their luggage in August 2013.They initially claimed they had been forced to carry the drugs but pleaded guilty to charges later that year.The pair secured a shorter sentence under a plea bargainMartin Mejia/APA Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We continue to provide assistance to Melissa Reid and remain in contact with her family and local authorities."McCollum, 23, of County Tyrone, was released in March under parole conditions meaning she has to stay in Peru for an undisclosed period of time.Reid has also paid a fine of 10,000 Peruvian soles, just over £2,000.Melissa Reid pictured with officials at Lima AirportJanine Costa/ReutersMORE ABOUTcocainePeru
