Roger Clarke, a 79-year-old former drug trafficker known as an OAP drugs mule, has been released from prison and has flown to Costa Blanca in Spain for a sunny getaway. Clarke, who was imprisoned in Portugal for smuggling £1 million worth of cocaine from the Caribbean along with his late wife Susan, was extradited to the UK in 2021 following Susan’s death from cancer in a Lisbon prison cell. The Mirror recently located Clarke during a temporary release from prison, where he expressed dissatisfaction with his delayed release.
After his complaints drew ire from prison authorities, Clarke was transferred from an open prison cell to a high-security facility. However, he is now confirmed to be free again and enjoying the Spanish sun in Rojales, Alicante, where he previously lived with Susan. Clarke, who had resided in Guardamar del Segura before his incarceration for drug-related offenses, has returned to the area. Despite spending an extended period in jail, he has chosen to vacation in Spain, a decision that has surprised many given his past.
In 2017, reports revealed that Clarke and Susan frequented the Med Bistro & Bar in El Raso, an upscale housing estate, where they participated in the golf society activities. Clarke maintains his innocence regarding the cocaine smuggling incident, attributing the predicament to his own oversight. He mentioned plans for a human rights compensation claim and expressed remorse for the situation, acknowledging his responsibility.
Clarke’s arrest in 2018 on a cruise ship in Lisbon, where cocaine was discovered in his luggage, led to his imprisonment alongside Susan. Clarke, who currently spends days on release from HMP Standford Hill in Sittingbourne, Kent, emphasized his lack of awareness regarding the drugs in his possession. He also highlighted his health issues and dissatisfaction with his extended prison term, asserting a breach of his human rights.
Reflecting on his time in jail and the loss of Susan, Clarke lamented the challenges he faced, including financial constraints for Susan’s repatriation. He expressed a desire to reconnect with his estranged family and seek closure. Clarke and Susan’s history of drug-related offenses, including a previous arrest in Norway, underscore their troubled past. Despite their criminal activities, Clarke remains hopeful for a better future and aims to reconcile with his family.
