Driver targeted by Moroccan gangsters
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PRESSURE GROUP Fair Trials Abroad (FTA) has launched a campaign for the release of a Lincoln truck driver jailed in Morocco for drug trafficking. Graham Rowett, of Birchwood, was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment by a court in Tangiers for smuggling 172kg of cannabis resin.
He was also fined £1.3m and faces a further two years in prison if he fails to pay the fine.
His family claim that Rowett, a subcontractor working for Lancashire-based GEH Trucking, is innocent and was attacked by drug dealers who forced him to carry a package, which he later dumped.
When the police searched him they found no drugs.
FTA director Stephen Jakobi, says: "This was a clear case of corruption. How can anyone who got rid of the drugs be accused of trafficking? If Rowett had told the police about the package he would have been arrested anyway.
The driver was clearly set up. We are going to pursue the case and hope to meet with the Moroccan ambassador soon."
A spokeswoman from the Foreign Office says it is providing Howett with consulate assistance and remains in regular contact with his family.