A WINDOW fitter has been arrested in Venezuela for alleged drug offences after travelling to South America "for work."

Gary Johnson, 38, of Milking Lane, Lower Darwen, Blackburn, is being kept in a Caracas jail after being detained at the city's airport with what is believed to be a large amount of cocaine as he prepared to board a plane home.

Today his pregnant wife Julie, 28, spoke of her shock at the news and said that, as far as she was concerned Gary had travelled to the South American country "for work".

She added: "I know nothing about drugs or the reason for Gary's arrest.

"He is being held without charge in a jail in Caracas. "All I know is that he was due home last Sunday but was apparently arrested at Caracas."

Mr Johnson is believed to have travelled alone to the country on Tuesday, April 22.

His wife has now enlisted the help of Blackburn solicitor Paul Schofield who today said he was liaising with the Foreign Office and British Consul in Caracas.

He added: "They have been very helpful and have agreed to keep the family informed as to any developments."

A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed that Mr Johnson had been arrested on drugs charges and was being held in cells attached to the Venezuelan National Guard's Anti-drugs Headquarters in Caracas.

He added: "We visited him where he is being detained and he is fairly well and comfortable given the circumstances. The next of kin which he gave have been informed. He had no complaints."

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