Former top public servant accused of cocaine smuggling in Argentina has defended carrying more than one driver's licence, saying she is "not a criminal.
Sharon Armstrong, 54, was arrested by police in a Buenos Aires airport about two weeks ago after 5 kilograms of cocaine was discovered in the false bottom of her suitcase.
Confiscated personal effects, including an iPhone, passport, Farmers card and Argentinian, Australian and United States cash. Officials said they also found four driver licences.
Former Maori Language Commission chief executive Haami Piripi said he remained "utterly convinced" that Ms Armstrong was not knowingly involved in cocaine trafficking. "I'm a pretty good judge of character and I'm sure things will come out in the wash which will substantiate what Sharon is saying."
He believed her claims that she had been scammed.
"You're a 50-something single woman, you're a human being. I think people getting duped is a common everyday phenomenon, and she's unfortunately fallen victim to it.
"Whatever happened she participated in it unwittingly.
Family and friends were pulling together to help set up a legal fund for her, which Mr Piripi said would be advertised on her Facebook page.
Ms Armstrong is being held at the medium-security Federal Detention for Women in Buenos Aires. She is expected to appear in court this week.
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