According to Peruvian law, possession of marijuana is not punishable if used for personal and immediate consumption in quantities not exceeding eight grams.
But the video is likely to shock the parents of their many millions of young fans.
It could also damage the plans of Simon Cowell to build on their huge American success and grow the band to superstar status - with the two members caught on film now facing the possibility of being barred from entering the States, where they are due to tour later in the year.
During the 15-minute journey Louis and Zayn joke with each other and the three members of their team travelling with them.
Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan, all 20, are not in the car.
A spokesman for One Direction told MailOnline: "The matter is now in the hands of our lawyers."
Driving into the sunlight from an underground parking lot, Tomlinson says, "I want to light up," and a member of the team hands him a lighter and the flicker of a roll up being lit is caught on camera.
The sight of a police officer on a motorbike escorting them, is met with great excitement.
Tomlinson notes: "That's the police. That's the po po. One-nil".
Malik also talks admiringly about a Kid Rock book he has recently seen in which the star is pictured: "Smoking a J and sticking up his middle finger".
- Daily Mail
