Netflix's 'Ibiza Drug Mule' Documentary: Where Are the "Peru Two" Now?
Everything we know about Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid, who were arrested in 2013 on suspicion of drug smuggling.
High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule is one of the latest true crime documentaries to hit Netflix. Originally aired on BBC Three last year, the film has now landed on the global streaming platform.
The docuseries is told in the eyes of Michaella McCollum one of the “Peru Two” who were arrested in 2013 on suspicion of drug smuggling in Peru. McCollum, 19 years old at the time, was flying from Ibiza, Spain, after being told that she would need to take a quick trip to Barcelona to smuggle drugs.
Continue scrolling to read more about the documentary.
Who are the “Peru Two”?
Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid were collectively dubbed the “Peru Two” after they were arrested in Lima, Peru on August 6, 2013 on suspicion of drug smuggling at Jorge Chávez International Airport. Their luggage was found to contain approximately 11kg of cocaine, which amounted to roughly €1.5 million EUR. The drugs were hidden in cereal and porridge packets.
McCollum, from Northern Ireland, was 19 years old at the time. Reid is from Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland.
Where is Michaella McCollum now?
View this post on Instagram
Michaella McCollum, the subject of the BBC Three documentary High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule that recently hit Netflix, is now 28 years old and is a single mother to 4-year-old twins. She was released from jail in 2016 and wrote a memoir about her experience titled You’ll Never See Daylight Again. She is now active on social media, occasionally appearing on TV shows and events to speak about her time in prison.
Where is Melissa Reid now?
Contrary to McCollum, Reid hasn’t been as vocal about her experience. The High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule documentary only features McCollum, who sits down for an interview for the entire length of the series.
As reported by Daily Mail, Reid currently resides in Scotland and is reportedly working for a charity. A close source shared, “We know her as ‘Mel’ but didn’t know she had a history like that. To be honest, she is totally down-to-earth and is a sweet girl. I heard she worked for a charity and I see her from time to time out walking the dog, but we don’t know her. This is a quiet neighborhood and she’s a quiet girl, no noise or anything. She seems to enjoy her own company and is never any bother.”
After returning to Scotland, Reid opened up about being on a “downward spiral” of drugs, while a source shared with Edinburgh Live: “Melissa is doing really well and moving on with her career. The unit helps people who abuse drugs and alcohol… As far as I’m aware, there was an incident where one resident was thrown out by her as they were suspected of dealing… Her positivity and problem-solving skills mean she can work on multiple projects . . . while maintaining an aura of calm and a great sense of humor.”
How long were they sentenced to prison?
When they were initially arrested, Reid and McCollum were potentially facing 15 years in a Peruvian jail. After showing signs of cooperation in court, they were sentenced to six years and eight months in Ancón 2, a notorious prison in Peru.
As shared in the BBC Three documentary, McCollum applied to be freed on parole. She left the jail after two years and three months of imprisonment in March 2016. Reid was later released in June of the same year.
Was McCollum paid for the documentary?
According to BBC, McCollum wasn’t compensated for sharing her story with the world. A spokesperson said, “Michaella McCollum did not receive a fee for her contribution to the documentary. Her story reveals the criminal enterprises behind the supply of drugs in Ibiza and the human cost.”
Where can I watch High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule?
High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule is now available worldwide on Netflix, in addition to iPlayer in the U.K. and Ireland.
