Be warned!
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Ihave recently visited Morocco for the first time as an owner-driver hauling hanging garments back to the UK.
I was constantly warned by other drivers to be vigilant at all times, not only in respect of my own personal safety and security of my vehicle but also with regard to other illegal substances, such as drugs, being planted within the load or under the vehicle during the stay in Morocco.
I tried to be as vigilant as possible, such as supervising the loading of the trailer, but could not be present at all times due to being called away to the telephone. It would therefore have been so easy for anybody to have planted anything deep within the trailer.
Even when I had cleared Customs for the journey home and was awaiting departure on to the boat, three Moroccan stowaways were found under my trailer and had to be forcibly removed by the police. This was commonplace for Tangier and the point I am trying to make is that anything could have been planted under my trailer.
I am only aware of the facts in respect of your article, but I feel that Steven Bryant's conviction for smuggling is unsafe in view of the subsequent arrest of 21 Moroccan Customs officers for co-operating with the drug gangs.
1 feel that this man is being made a scapegoat for the shortcomings of both the Moroccan government and the British Foreign Office. The alarming aspect of this case is that it could have happened to anybody visiting Morocco and still can, therefore it will be a long time before I go there again.
I hope that commonsense prevails and that an urgent review of the case is made, as no-one should be treated this way while so much doubt exists.
Ian Michael Shine, Danstable.