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24/02/2009
Drug Arrest Briton 'Thought He Was Carrying Diamonds'
A British man arrested at an airport in Venezuela has reportedly claimed he thought he was carrying diamonds not cocaine.
Paul Mackin, and his ex-wife Laura, both 31, were arrested on February 16 for allegedly smuggling 53lb (24kg) of cocaine in their suitcases.
They were stopped at Porlamar airport on the holiday island of Margarita as they attempted to board a flight to London.
Speaking to The Times newspaper, from the San Antonio military jail, Mr Mackin said his ex-wife knew nothing about the attempted smuggling.
He said: "Laura's innocent, she shouldn't be here... she should be back with the kids. I've never had anything to do with drugs."
The pair, from Merseyside, have been in the prison since their arrest last Thursday, for allegedly attempting to smuggle the cocaine in false-bottomed suitcases on to a flight to Gatwick.
Makin also told The Times a friend had put him in contact with a British man from London - both of whom he has not named - who had also travelled to the island and briefed him on taking the diamonds out of the country.
Makin told the paper: "He told me that we would be pulled out of the line, searched briefly to make it all look real, and then let go. Then he gave me a mobile phone which he would call once we had got through to the other side. He even showed me pictures of the guy who we were delivering to in the UK, all dripping in diamonds.
"He said that he supplied lots of the rappers back home, and said that I should ask him for a diamond once I got there. But I was stitched up good and proper."
Makin, of Woodchurch, Birkenhead, was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court on February 9 charged with affray and possessing a machete but never showed up.
The trial judge subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest.
(JM/BMcC)
Paul Mackin, and his ex-wife Laura, both 31, were arrested on February 16 for allegedly smuggling 53lb (24kg) of cocaine in their suitcases.
They were stopped at Porlamar airport on the holiday island of Margarita as they attempted to board a flight to London.
Speaking to The Times newspaper, from the San Antonio military jail, Mr Mackin said his ex-wife knew nothing about the attempted smuggling.
He said: "Laura's innocent, she shouldn't be here... she should be back with the kids. I've never had anything to do with drugs."
The pair, from Merseyside, have been in the prison since their arrest last Thursday, for allegedly attempting to smuggle the cocaine in false-bottomed suitcases on to a flight to Gatwick.
Makin also told The Times a friend had put him in contact with a British man from London - both of whom he has not named - who had also travelled to the island and briefed him on taking the diamonds out of the country.
Makin told the paper: "He told me that we would be pulled out of the line, searched briefly to make it all look real, and then let go. Then he gave me a mobile phone which he would call once we had got through to the other side. He even showed me pictures of the guy who we were delivering to in the UK, all dripping in diamonds.
"He said that he supplied lots of the rappers back home, and said that I should ask him for a diamond once I got there. But I was stitched up good and proper."
Makin, of Woodchurch, Birkenhead, was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court on February 9 charged with affray and possessing a machete but never showed up.
The trial judge subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest.
(JM/BMcC)
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Court imposes lengthy sentences on drug smugglers
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11-Year-Old Schoolboy Struck By Lightning
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
