‘Peru Two’ Drug Mule Michaella McCollum’ Story Set For TV

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Peru Two' Drug Mule Michaella McCollum'

‘Peru Two’ drug mule Michaella McCollum is currently in talks with a production company about bringing her story to the small screen, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

The Co Tyrone woman came to prominence in 2013 after being caught with Scottish woman Melissa Reid attempting to smuggle £1.5m worth of cocaine out of Peru.

She initially denied the charge, claiming that they had been forced to become mules.

The pair later admitted to drug smuggling and were jailed for six years and eight months. Both women were released in 2016.

The high profile 25-year-old was set to publish her book ‘House of Women’ about her time in a South American prison last year, but the publication has been delayed.

Earlier this week, while on a trip to London, McCollum posted on her Instagram page with the caption: “Successful meeting with a production company. What would you like to see the book turned into?”

TALKING POINT: Michaella McCollum with her distinctive bun hairstyle back in 2013. Photo: Reuters
Michaella McCollum, 2013

House of Women will be released by John Blake Publishing and is described as “the prison memoir of Michaella McCollum, one half of the infamous ‘Peru Two’ imprisoned in a Peruvian jail for attempting to smuggle 11kg of cocaine”.

“Told through her own diaries and letters to her mother, family and friends, and the ‘stupid mistake that would change her life forever’,” promotional material for the book reveals.

Michaella McCollum arriving at court in Peru in 2013
Michaella McCollum, 2013

“Recounting tales of vicious guards, psychotic inmates and horrendous prison conditions, the story is truly shocking.

“Before she made the decision that would characterise the rest of her life, Michaella was just an ordinary girl who enjoyed a good time.

“Many readers will be able to identify with her a party girl who took it a step too far.”

A well-placed source has said that the book could become the next big crime drama.

“There is huge demand, real life is often stranger than fiction. Think Netflix series Narcos, based on druglord Pablo Escobar, or The People vs OJ Simpson,” the source revealed.

“Danny Boyle directed Trust about the Getty kidnap, earlier this year the ITV series Manhunt was big, starring Martin Clunes as the man who brought serial killer Levi Bellfield to justice.

“The book Manhunt by the cop who got Bellfield (Colin Sutton) was timed to come out at the same time for maximum impact. If Michaella does the same she could make a fortune.

“The series also ran back to back on consecutive nights. You are seeing now that with mini-series drama they are rolled out over a week as we have a binge-watch and box set generation now.

“You can go on Netflix and consume a whole series as quick as you like and true crime drama is huge right now – but there are very few based on women.”

The source said that a television production could prove very lucrative for McCollum.

“That will be a major hand to play for Michaella – a young attractive woman finds herself involved in the world of international drug trafficking and ends up languishing in a grotty Peru prison. It’s a great story, what’s not to like?,” the source said.

“The book, a TV series, modelling, a spoken word tour – there is the potential there for Michaella to make thousands and get very rich from it.”

Since being released from prison McCollum has signed with management company BLVK which handles the careers of reality television stars from programmes like ‘Geordie Shore’ and ‘Ex on the Beach’.

She gave birth to twin sons last year.