Howard Marks has died aged 70.
The cannabis smuggler turned author – who was also known as Mr Nice – sadly passed away at his home in Bridgend, South Wales after a battle with bowel cancer.
Confirming the news, Howard’s pal and the founder and co-creator of Loaded magazine, James Brown tweeted: "Lovely, entertaining, inspiring man. Like our loaded mag Dad. A true rogue & Great writer. We all adored him RIP HM (sic)"
Howard was arrested in Spain in 1988 and was extradited to Florida, where he was sentenced to 25 years at a notorious prison in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was released on parole after seven years for good behaviour.
In the years following, he penned his most well known book, ‘Mr. Nice, releasing a follow up, titled ‘Senor Nice’, 10 years later in 2006. He was also the subject of a movie of the same name, where he was played by Rhys Ifans.
Speaking last year, Howard revealed he had come to terms with his illness.
He shared: "It’s impossible to regret any part of my life when I feel happy and I am happy now, so I don’t have any regrets and have not had any for a very long time.
"Smuggling cannabis was a wonderful way of living – perpetual culture shock, absurd amounts of money, and the comforting knowledge of getting so many people stoned."
Howard Marks is survived by his four children.
Howard Marks dies aged 70
