A woman is suing a New Mexico police officer who she says pepper-sprayed her vagina twice during a strip search.

The court documents show Marlene Tapia was strip-searched after allegedly violating her probation. During the search, police officer Blanca Zapater told Tapia to bend over and saw a plastic baggie coming from her vagina.

It's alleged that's when Zapater used pepper spray on Tapia's genitals.

The suit, filed Nov. 20 on Tapia's behalf by the American Civil Liberties Union, says there was no reason to use the pepper spray other than to punish her.

"Spraying Ms. Tapia on the genitals would not cause the baggie to become dislodged," the suit said.

Tapia suffered "severe pain that lasted for several weeks," which included burning, swollen genitals, painful urination and pain and burning on her face.

Tapia is seeking unspecified damages.

The suit notes Zapater was disciplined.