Melissa Reid to be deported from Peru after drug mule conviction

The 22-year-old has served approximately a third of her six year, eight month sentence

Melissa Reid was just 19 when she was arrested by Peruvian authorities after attempting to smuggle cocaine out of the country (Getty Images)

A Peruvian judge has granted an order expelling Scottish drug mule Melissa Reid from the country following her 2013 conviction for attempting to smuggle £1.5m worth of cocaine.

The 22-year-old and Michaella McCollum from North Ireland were sentenced to six years and eight months after pleading guilty to drug smuggling.

They were caught with the 24lb (11kg) haul in food packets hidden in their luggage while trying to get on board a flight to Spain from Lima Airport in August 2013.

They initially claimed they had been forced to carry the drugs but pleaded guilty later that year.

The maximum prison term for drug smuggling in Peru is 15 years but they were given a shorter sentence as part of deal brokered behind closed doors.

The UK Foreign Office has confirmed her deportation but it is likely Reid will have to remain in Peru for another month to fulfil her parole conditions.

A spokeswoman told The Independent: "We can confirm that Melissa Reid has been granted expulsion from Peru.

"We remain in contact with Melissa, her family and local authorities."

Reid, who was just 19 at the time of her arrest, has served around a third of her sentence and under Peruvian law this makes her eligible to be deported, the BBC reports.

She also paid a fine of 10,000 soles (£2082).

McCollum was released last month and is believed to be living in Lima.

Michaella McCollum Connolly, second right, and Melissa Reid, far right, after their arrest for drugs smuggling in Peru

In her first interview following her release, she told Irish broadcaster RTE that she had been "very naive, so young and very insecure".

She said: "A lot of times I didn't know how to say no to somebody.

"I kind of just followed along with it and I guess a part of me kind of wanted to be something I'm not.

"But, simply, I made a decision in my moment of madness."

Reid's father Billy told the Scottish Daily Record that his daughter was sorry for her actions.

Speaking from the family's home in Lenzie, near Glasgow, he said: "Almost three years of our lives have now been spent with this significant burden on our shoulders. It has taken its toll on the whole family.

"While her friends have celebrated their 21st birthdays, graduated from university and had babies, she has been confined to her cell.

"She regrets the predicament she finds herself in, is apologetic for her actions and wants to show that she can be a credit to her family and to make things right".