Venezuela drug arrests: husband wanted by British police

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Source: Times Online (UK)

A British man apprehended with his family for suspected drug smuggling in Venezuela was on the run from UK police after allegedly threatening someone with a machete.

Paul Makin and his wife Laura, both 31, from the Wirral on Merseyside, were detained by police at Porlamar airport on Monday allegedly carrying 52lb of cocaine in three suitcases.

It is thought that the couple were attempting to board a flight home after a package holiday on the island of Margarita with their four young children. Both adults are being held in a Venezuelan prison while their children are cared for by a local foster family.

Merseyside Police said today that Mr Makin had been due to attend Liverpool Crown Court on February 9 accused of affray and possession of an offensive weapon. When he did not attend the trial a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Read more: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5765647.ece