Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says there is a limit to what the federal government can do to help an Australian woman being held in a Colombian jail.
Cassandra Sainsbury, 22, was arrested at the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota on April 12 after a tip-off about the 5.8 kilograms of cocaine allegedly found inside 18 headphone sets in her suitcase.
Ms Bishop said she didn't think it was helpful to speculate on details of Ms Sainsbury's case as the investigation is still underway.
But Australian consul staff have provided her with a list of lawyers and have been in touch with her parents.
"The government has long warned Australians that if they travel to Colombia they are subject to Colombia's laws and penalties for possession or use or trafficking illegal drugs in Colombia are severe and they include lengthy imprisonment," Ms Bishop told ABC radio on Thursday.
"I'm relieved that she has legal representation, our consular-general is providing consular support but there is a limit to what Australia can do."
