Juliana Lopez, the Colombian model who is facing the death penalty in China because she was caught with drugs

Juliana Lopez, the Colombian model who is facing the death penalty in China because she was caught with drugs

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A Colombian model is facing the death penalty after being arrested on suspicion of smuggling drugs in China.

Juliana Lopez, 22, was allegedly caught with psychoactive drugs in her computer after being arrested at an airport, the New York Daily News reported.

The beauty pageant winner faces life in prison or execution if found guilty.

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Lopez was due to compete in the Miss World Medellin pageant this week but is instead being held in prison following her arrest at Guangzhou airport on July 18.

(Image: CEN)

Lopez travelled to China two weeks ago, the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo reported.

(Image: CEN)

Her family told the newspaper that they lost contact with her during the trip and turned to the embassy in China, which confirmed she had been arrested.

Lopez plays for a local football team in her native Colombia.

Coach Alejandro Duque described her as a "good girl" and told El Tiempo they are planning an exhibition match to raise money for her mother and lawyer to travel to China.

Her friend Lis Hernandez told the website she went to China to collect clothing, accessories and other souvenirs she could sell back home.

She said: "My heart tells me she is not guilty.

"You cannot condemn her yet, I have hope that she is innocent and everything is clear."