Two women arrested on suspicion of trying to smuggle cocaine worth €1.7m out of Peru have been formally charged, prosecutors have said.

An Irishwoman and her friend, arrested on suspicion of trying to smuggle cocaine worth €1.7m from Peru could find out today if they are to be charged.

Spanish police have cast doubt on claims by two women arrested in Peru for cocaine smuggling that they were forced to carry the drugs by armed gang members.