Mr Nice’ Howard Marks dies aged 70 of bowel cancer

**Kurgen** · 11-04-2016, 08:34 AM

Famed drug smuggler and cannabis campaigner ‘Mr Nice’ Howard Marks dies aged 70 of bowel cancer

CANNABIS king Howard Marks lost his battle with bowel cancer yesterday aged 70.

Marks, once accused of running the world’s biggest dope smuggling empire, died at home near Bridgend, South Wales, where he grew up.

The dad of four stood trial at the Old Bailey in 1981 for importing 15½tons but was cleared after claiming to be a spy who infiltrated drug networks for MI6.

The US dubbed him Marco Polo and arrested him and his wife Judy at their Majorca farmhouse in 1988. He pleaded guilty to racketeering and served seven years, becoming a jailhouse lawyer and teacher.

Once freed, he returned to the UK and wrote books including his autobiography Mr Nice — one of his aliases.

Rhys Ifans starred in a 2010 film of the same name about the life of the Oxford physics graduate, who was described as having the voice of Richard Burton and looks of Mick Jagger.

Ex-gangster Fred Foreman said last night: “He was suffering terribly from his disease.

“It is a relief for his friends and family that he has now passed away.”

Famed drug smuggler and cannabis campaigner ?Mr Nice? Howard Marks dies aged 70 of bowel cancer

**crocman** · 11-04-2016, 01:19 PM

I only started selling dope because I had more than I could smoke.

**Black Heart** · 11-04-2016, 03:08 PM

I read Mr Nice about 10 years ago.

Interesting fella.

RIP.

**Chittychangchang** · 11-04-2016, 03:31 PM

70, not a bad innings for someone who burnt the candle at both end.

Nice geezer.

RIP

**billy the kid** · 11-04-2016, 04:28 PM

He had big balls. But he still learnt to cry before passing.

Great guy.

Dope was coming from all over the world in 60s 70s and 80s into UK
and i'm sure i've had a few puffs of what he brought in.

Made our days.

Thank you Mr nice guy.

**Gazza** · 11-04-2016, 07:14 PM

So there's no more 'Mr Nice' guy then?

RIP

**Dapper** · 11-04-2016, 07:25 PM

Top man - a legend.
RIP fella.

**can123** · 11-04-2016, 07:28 PM

Welsh, and according to my cousin who was a friend, a very nice bloke.

**Iceman123** · 11-04-2016, 07:36 PM

I spent a few hours with him in Edinburgh 1998. I smoked a joint with him - he rolled it!
My friend who introduced me was his right hand man for about 3 years until they fell out. (Money)
He now no longer thinks he is Mr Nice.

Personally, I found him not a bad guy, a bit full of his self importance. Loved the attention. He was not wealthy by a long shot, merely making an ok living.

RIP Howie!

**Kurgen** · 11-04-2016, 09:06 PM

I read his book, Mr Nice, a few years ago, he came across as a nice fella, probably one of the last in his line of work.

RIP Howard.

**wasabi** · 11-04-2016, 09:45 PM

No screaming tabloid U.K. Newspaper headlines with " Nice Cannabis kills at a young age"

**billy the kid** · 12-04-2016, 01:30 AM

The photo shown by the media was the worst i'd ever seen him
looking all smoked up and unkempt.

**kingwilly** · 12-04-2016, 05:09 AM

Weird adolation of a liar, crim and drug smuggler.

**DJ Pat** · 12-04-2016, 05:26 AM

Decent film of his life, played by Rhys Ifans

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