Notorious Mr Nice Howard Marks heads North

Sep 27 2009 Sunday Sun

He actually began to deal during a postgraduate philosophy course at Oxford and was soon moving large quantities of hashish into Europe and America in the equipment of touring rock bands.

At the height of his career, Marks was smuggling consignments of up to 30 tons from Pakistan and Thailand to America and Canada.

He was eventually busted by the DEA after a worldwide operation and sentenced to 25 years prison at the US Federal Penitentiary, Terre Haute, Indiana. Marks was released on parole in April 1995.

Shortly afterwards, he became a talk show favourite and hit the touring circuit as well as writing books.

He said: “Let’s face it, there’s not many careers left to people coming out of prison with my record.”

Marks also stood for election as an MP in 1997 on the single issue of the legalisation of cannabis, contesting four seats at once.

Promoter Steve Wraith of Players Inc Event management said he’s delighted to have Marks back in the region. He said: “Howard has led an interesting life to say the least and while I can’t condone what he has done I feel it’s only right that people get a chance to see and listen to Howard and his interesting life stories.”

One of the things he will be talking about is the film which stars Rhys Ifans in the title role of Marks.

“He was my choice, although I’ve tended to leave them alone to make the film the way they want to do it,” said Marks.

His plans for the future are just to carry on doing what he is doing. “I have no plans to retire just yet.”

V Marks will be appearing at the O2 Academy in Newcastle on October 4.

The event starts at 6pm and tickets are £10, £8 for members of the NUS. They are available from the O2 Academy, by ringing 07950180922 or by emailing playersinc@hotmail.com.