Howard Marks Diagnosed With Bowel Cancer

Former drug smuggler and author Howard Marks says he has been diagnosed with inoperable bowel cancer.

Marks, who spent seven years in a US jail for serious drug offences, said he had "no regrets" about any part of his life.

The 69-year-old said of the disease: "I've come to terms with it in my own way - which for me was about learning how to cry.

"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 long time."

The Oxford graduate also told The Observer: "I've never cried before. In prison I cried deep in myself, but I had to be the tough guy, I couldn't let any vulnerability show."

The paper reported the cancer was diagnosed last autumn and Marks was told nothing could be done to stop the disease, which has spread to his liver and lungs.

Medical sources said the father-of-four had completed eight cycles of chemotherapy and responded well, The Observer added.

Marks, who has long campaigned for the legalisation of cannabis, was busted in 1988 by the American Drug Enforcement Agency and sentenced to 25 years at America's toughest federal jail, Terre Haute, in Indiana.

He was released on parole in 1995 after serving seven years.

During his life, Marks penned his autobiography called Mr Nice, and also mingled with celebrities from the entertainment world.

He has received messages of support from his wide-ranging group of friends, according to the paper.

Artist Tracey Emin, the journalist Peter Hitchens, Sir Richard Branson, broadcaster Zoe Ball and DJ husband Norman Cook have all reportedly sent best wishes.

Marks, dubbed "the most sophisticated drugs baron of all time", grew up in Wales.

He later worked for the British Secret Service after graduating from Oxford where he earned a degree in nuclear physics and post graduate qualifications in philosophy.

He is due to perform to an audience in London next month, featuring guest appearances from actor Rhys Ifans - who played the part of Marks in a film of his life - and members of Welsh group Super Furry Animals.