John Packwood - Spain

January 05

Latest news:

In late 2006, John Packwood received a pardon from the King of Morocco and returned home to the UK. However, we are still supporting him in his fight to have the International Arrest Warrant still pending against him lifted, so he may exercise his rights to travel as a free man.

---

John Packwood is a 41 year old British marine engineer from the Isle of Wight. He is imprisoned Spain awaiting extradition to Morocco.

In 1997, a boat was sold through reputable brokers to a Spaniard. The Spaniard required delivery of the boat from the UK to Morocco. He sought a professional delivery crew through the ‘Crewfinder’ website, which is well known in marine circles. Eventually a delivery crew of 4 was hired. They were all from the Isle of Wight and John Packwood was one of them. He was employed as the engineer.

In March 1997, the crew met at Southampton to take delivery of the boat. Two Spaniards, the owner and his representative, who was to act as wireless operator, met them. The crew were informed that the plan was to take the Boat to Morocco to undergo a refit so that she could be used as a tourist cruiser. The journey started on 5 April 1997. Crossing the Bay of Biscay, they ran into storms and one of the engines packed up. They made it to Agadir but then had to be towed in.

This was not the planned port of arrival and the owner was furious; he had a new crew at another port ready to take over. Upon arrival, the boat was thoroughly searched by about 20 officials. The following day, the crew were paid and given plane tickets home.

Three months later, the boat was stopped in connection with a large cargo of cocaine.

Interpol subsequently investigated all those with a connection to the boat. John was questioned and apparently cleared of any involvement.

In October 2004, John went to Spain to help a friend move house. He was arrested in Malaga under an international arrest warrant issued by the Moroccan Authorities. He is now fighting extradition proceedings. This could take years unless Morocco agrees to John’s release. Under the international warrant arrangements between Morocco and Spain, there is no need for the issuing state to show any prima facie evidence against the accused. It is understood that arrest warrants were also issued against the rest of the crew.

Fair Trial Issues

1. This case is a clear abuse of the International Arrest warrant system by the Moroccan authorities. The warrant was executed 7 years after it was issued and no attempt was made to execute it in the UK, where a challenge could be made as to its validity.
2. The facts show that John Packwood could not be involved in the smuggling operation.
3. FTA’s experience of clients accused of drug offences in Morocco has shown that foreigners are never acquitted, regardless of lack of evidence.