BBC Order Howard Marks Doco “Hunting Mr Nice”

A new two-part documentary series by award-winning Passion Pictures and Welsh indie Kailash Films presents the story of the notorious cannabis smuggler known as ‘Mr Nice,’ Howard Marks.

This series, co-commissioned by BBC Factual and BBC Cymru Wales, delves into Marks’ journey from a Welsh village upbringing to Oxford University, where he ventured into the drug trade, eventually establishing a global smuggling empire and even collaborating with MI6 during the era of the war on drugs.

Marks, a charismatic figure who managed to evade prosecution for years while advocating for decriminalisation on various media platforms, faced a turning point when his luck eventually ran out. ‘Hunting Mr Nice‘ offers a dual perspective, showcasing insights from Marks’ former criminal associates who speak out for the first time, as well as DEA agents and law enforcement officers who tirelessly pursued him.

The series features a range of voices, including journalists, lawyers, and Marks’ acquaintances, dissecting the enigma of ‘Mr Nice,’ his criminal fame, and the evasion of justice.

Filmed across multiple countries with new archive footage and dramatic recreations, the narrative explores the evolving drug landscape, from the countercultural smugglers of the 1960s to the rise of criminal syndicates and the extensive law enforcement endeavours to curb drug trafficking. The discussion extends to the ongoing debates on decriminalisation sparked by Marks in the UK.

An essential component of the series is the central figure of Howard Marks himself, characterised as a cultural icon and controversial persona associated with America’s War on Drugs. Nick Andrews from BBC Wales commented “Howard Marks was a fascinating character – a boy from the Welsh valleys village of Kenfig Hill who secured a place in Oxford but swapped academia for the life of an international smuggler, becoming Britain’s most infamous drug dealer in the process…”

Gwenllian Hughes, Co-Series Producer/Director at Kailash said “It’s an honour to be able to tell the real story of a home-grown legend… we’ve all been raised with the myth of Howard Marks and I’m so excited to deep-dive into this incredible story.”

‘Hunting Mr Nice’ is a two-hour documentary co-commissioned by BBC Factual and BBC Wales for BBC Two and iPlayer.