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Help given to drugs case children Help given to drugs case children
(about 5 hours later)
Relatives are working with consular officials in Venezuela to bring home the four children of a British couple detained for alleged drugs offences.Relatives are working with consular officials in Venezuela to bring home the four children of a British couple detained for alleged drugs offences.
Paul Makin, 31, and his wife Laura were held on 16 February on Margarita Island for allegedly carrying cocaine.Paul Makin, 31, and his wife Laura were held on 16 February on Margarita Island for allegedly carrying cocaine.
The four children were placed into the care of Venezuelan social services.The four children were placed into the care of Venezuelan social services.
British Embassy officials travelled to the island to ensure the children's welfare and provide consular services to the detainees.British Embassy officials travelled to the island to ensure the children's welfare and provide consular services to the detainees.
The children are an eight- and a seven-year-old from a former marriage of Laura Makin, and the couple's two-year-old twins.The children are an eight- and a seven-year-old from a former marriage of Laura Makin, and the couple's two-year-old twins.
The Foreign Office confirmed that other family members have arrived on Margarita Island, and are working to repatriate the four children as soon as possible.The Foreign Office confirmed that other family members have arrived on Margarita Island, and are working to repatriate the four children as soon as possible.
Sought in UKSought in UK
A Foreign Office spokesman said the Venezuelan authorities had done everything in their power to assist the children.A Foreign Office spokesman said the Venezuelan authorities had done everything in their power to assist the children.
John Wheate, Mr Makin's lawyer, told the BBC that he is also working to bring home the children, and said of his own client: "The judicial process will have to take its course."John Wheate, Mr Makin's lawyer, told the BBC that he is also working to bring home the children, and said of his own client: "The judicial process will have to take its course."
Mr Makin is wanted by Merseyside Police for offences related to affray and possession of an offensive weapon.Mr Makin is wanted by Merseyside Police for offences related to affray and possession of an offensive weapon.
He missed a scheduled appearance in Liverpool Crown Court on 9 February and, when he did not attend the hearing, the trial judge issued a warrant.He missed a scheduled appearance in Liverpool Crown Court on 9 February and, when he did not attend the hearing, the trial judge issued a warrant.
The family had been on a First Choice package holiday, about to board a London-bound flight, when the two adults were arrested for allegedly carrying 53lbs (24kg) of the Class A drug in three suitcases. The family had been on a package holiday, about to board a London-bound flight, when the two adults were arrested for allegedly carrying 53lbs (24kg) of the Class A drug in three suitcases.
'Appalling' conditions
It is understood the Makins will appear in court in the next 30 days.
Thomas Lawson, deputy chief executive of Prisoners Abroad, said Venezuelan jails, like many in Latin America, were "appalling" with "high levels of violence".
"The prison system is very badly resourced," he said. "There's just enough prison guards to watch the perimeter.
"The prisons are run by the prisoners and in most cases, gangs. Lots of prisoners have guns and other weapons."
He said it was the charity's job to maintain an inmate's "health and hope".