Tourist freed after drugs charge error

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Mar 2010, 20:42 BST

Updated 18th Mar 2010, 20:48 BST

FILIPINO tourist Maria Cecilia Silva, 29, spent five days in jail after Australian officials mistook packets of tea for amphetamines.

Judge Jack Vandersteen ordered the director of public prosecutions to pay Ms Silva A$5,000 (about 3,000) in compensation for her ordeal.