Peru Two Drug Mule Michaella McCollum Warns Tourists: Traffickers Target Vulnerable Young Brits
Former drug smuggler Michaella McCollum, infamous for the “Peru Two” case, is warning British tourists about the tactics drug trafficking gangs use to lure young women into their criminal operations.
McCollum, who served three years in a peruvian prison after being caught trying to smuggle £1.5 million worth of cocaine in 2013, is now a public speaker and advocate. She appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss the increasing danger of British citizens being targeted by drug operations abroad.
Vulnerability is Key
mccollum explained to Susanna Reid that drug organizations specifically target individuals they perceive as vulnerable. These “pickers” look for:
youth: Teenagers and those in their early twenties are seen as naive and easily manipulated.
Gender: Women are more susceptible to grooming and coercion.
Addiction: Individuals struggling with drug addiction can be exploited.McCollum, who was 19 at the time of her arrest, admitted her own drug use made her an easier target.
Recent Cases Highlight the Danger
McCollum’s warning comes amid a string of recent arrests of young British women on drug trafficking charges, including:
Bella May Culley (18): Arrested in Georgia with a suitcase full of drugs.
Charlotte May Lee (21): A former TUI flight attendant allegedly recruited to smuggle drugs into Sri Lanka.
Manipulation Tactics Revealed
McCollum exposed the manipulative tactics used by drug kingpins:
False Promises: They convince recruits that everything will be alright, downplaying the risks.
Reassurance and Lies: When concerns are raised, they offer simple solutions, often based on lies. For example, McCollum was told airport staff were complicit in the operation. Playing on Emotions: Traffickers make recruits feel like “little girls,” dismissing their fears.
McCollum emphasized that by the time she realized she had been deceived, it was too late.
Michaella McCollum’s Transformation
Since her release from prison, McCollum has turned her life around, becoming a mother and using her experiences to educate others about the dangers of drug trafficking. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for young Brits traveling abroad, urging them to be aware of the potential risks and manipulative tactics used by criminal organizations.
