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 Inspecting leather goods....? Yeah, right. |
Posted on 12/27/2004 8:50:36 AM PST by nypokerface
LOS ANGELES - Actor Erik Anthony Aude, who was freed from a Pakistani prison after serving two years on a drug charge, returned home to an emotional reunion with family and friends.
Aude, who had minor roles in the television show, "Reba" and the hit film "Dude, Where's My Car?" was freed last week from a jail in Rawalpindi, a city near Islamabad, Pakistan's capital.
"I'm lucky to be here right now and I'm happy," Aude said upon his arrival Sunday night at Los Angeles International Airport.
Aude had missed a scheduled Christmas Day flight, but a throng of supporters returned Sunday to the airport to greet him.
"You really have no idea how lucky we are as Americans. We live like kings," he said. "I'm lucky to be here on American soil and I'll never take advantage of that again."
Aude, who declined to tell reporters about his prison ordeal, said he was looking forward to eating a chili dog.
His mother, Sherry, has said her son lost 40 pounds during his imprisonment and was beaten by inmates, including some jailed members of the Taliban and al-Qaida terrorist network.
Aude was arrested at Islamabad airport Feb. 15, 2002, after authorities said they found nearly 8 pounds of opium in a suitcase he was carrying minutes before he was to leave on a flight for Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Aude maintained he had no idea how the drugs got into his luggage. He was sentenced in January 2003 to seven years in prison, but convicted drug dealer Razmik Minasian recently declared in a sworn statement that he never told Aude about the drugs.
Rep. Howard McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, was among those who lobbied for Aude's release. Last month he gave Pakistani officials Minasian's statement that the actor wasn't involved in drug smuggling.
This is one lucky bastard.
He's just helping the Afghan people get back on their feet, thats all...
Unless he ODs first.
What was he doing in Islamabad in the first place?
Its not exactly a foerigners paradise.
He'll follow the other druggies in Hollyweird.
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Inspecting leather goods....? Yeah, right. |
I hope he continues to think that way, and never accepts a suitcase from anyone else again to take with him on his travels!
He had EIGHT (8) pounds of dope stuck in his suitcase and didn't know it was there?
Yeh, sure.
He is either the stupidest guy in Hollywood (against strong competition in the "Stupid People Contest") or he was smuggling dope.
Care to take a guess which one it is, anyone?
Hey, I just got a good idea for a rehab program for Hollywood leftists. Lets see if this will work on Michael Moore and Sean Penn
His mother, Sherry, has said her son lost 40 pounds during his imprisonment and was beaten by inmates, including some jailed members of the Taliban and al-Qaida terrorist network.
CERTAINLY reports of such abuse will lead the CBS News tonight. < /sarcasm >
In many of these countries, "businessmen" set up straight deals with samples, papers, merchandise, etc. then switch the shown container (suitcase valise, box, etc.)with a drug or intelligence laden one. The REAL business is with the govermnent they tip off to the American who can be relied upon to spend much money getting released (bribes)or propaganda uses, or trade with the State department to get one of their favorite spies, drug dealers or whoever back. A lot of money was probably made for the Paki who turned him in.
Yes, sure, he thought he was dealing in leather goods!
The'hit' film Dude who stole my car was on TV just this morning and I saw about ten minutes of it. Funny I didnt notice ANY actors in the film. This guy must be as stupid as his film, not knowing he was hired as a mule. Personally I dont think he is that stupid. I just hope he learned a little something out of this.
It seems incredible that he could be duped in that fashion, but these people live in a different world from you and me. Who knows if he was in on it, or not.
What was he doing in Pakistan, not exactly the favorite vacation spot on earth and known mainly for its Opium Poppies? What was he doing entertaining a convicted drug dealer? Why didn't he recognize the additional 8 pound weight in his suitcase?
Inquiring minds want to know.
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