In this riveting episode of Crime Time, Inc., we dive deep into the extraordinary life of Howard Marks, also known as Mr. Nice. Born in the small town of Kenfig Hill, Wales, Marks initially pursued a promising academic career, studying physics at Oxford University. However, he soon immersed himself in the world of cannabis smuggling, establishing an intricate web of international connections involving MI6, the IRA, and even the Yakuza. Despite his criminal activities, Marks earned the nickname Mr. Nice due to his charming personality and ethical stance, preferring to deal mainly in cannabis, which he viewed as a less harmful substance. Though he navigated numerous legal hurdles, including a wild escape from Dutch police and a courtroom tale about working for MI6, Marks's empire eventually crumbled when a close associate betrayed him. After being arrested by the DEA in 1988, Marks faced a lengthy prison sentence but managed to secure an early release in 1995. Upon release, his best-selling autobiography and advocacy for cannabis legalization transformed him into a counterculture icon. Join us as we explore the many facets of Howard Marks's life, from his Oxford days to his international smuggling operations, and consider what his story tells us about the complexities of human nature.

00:00 Introduction to Howard Marks

01:05 Early Life and Education

02:02 Oxford and the Beginnings of Crime

03:15 Rise in the Drug Trade

04:31 International Smuggling Operations

11:26 Betrayal and Downfall

13:07 Life in Prison and Beyond

15:06 Legacy of Mr. Nice

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In this emotional episode of Crime Time, Inc., hosts delve into one of the most horrifying events in recent history, the 2014 Peshawar school massacre. On December 16, 2014, six gunmen affiliated with the Tariq e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stormed the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, targeting a large assembly of students, leaving 149 dead, including 132 children. The attack was a retaliatory act against Operation Zarb e Azd, a military offensive by the Pakistani government. This deliberate and cold-blooded massacre aimed to inflict maximum casualties, causing indescribable terror and chaos.

Discussion covers the TTP's motives, the rapid and deadly response by Pakistani special forces, the subsequent death of mastermind Saddam Yon, and the broader implications on Pakistan's counterterrorism policies. The episode highlights the launch of the National Action Plan, aiming to tackle terrorism with a comprehensive strategy but also raising ethical dilemmas about civil liberties and implementation challenges.

Listeners learn about the long-term emotional trauma faced by survivors, the community's resilience, and efforts for justice and healing. The episode also touches on the controversial figure of Esanola Esan, the former TTP spokesman who later surrendered but reportedly escaped custody, complicating the narrative further.

This detailed recounting not only illustrates the horror and immediate aftermath but also the lasting impacts on national and international levels, emphasizing the global fight against terrorism. Tune in for a deeply moving and informative analysis of a tragedy that continues to shape Pakistan's present and future.

00:00 Introduction to a Tragic Case

00:21 The Peshawar School Massacre Unfolds

01:32 Understanding the TTP's Motive

03:07 Immediate Response and Aftermath

03:49 Pakistan's Policy Shift

05:04 The National Action Plan

06:27 Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas

08:20 Survivors' Struggles and Support

10:20 Justice and Accountability

13:16 Ehsan's Controversial Surrender

15:36 International Repercussions

17:26 Long-term Impact and Healing

19:13 Conclusion and Reflection

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In this gripping episode of Crime Time, Inc., we delve into the harrowing events of the Jonestown Massacre, where over 900 people, including more than 300 children, perished under the influence of cult leader Jim Jones. The episode begins by exploring Jones's early life marked by a disturbing fascination with death and his rise to religious leadership, characterized by charisma and a message of social justice. We then trace the evolution of his teachings from traditional Christianity to apostolic socialism, appealing to marginalized followers seeking a sense of belonging and purpose.

As Jones's power grew, so did his manipulation tactics, leading to the establishment of Jonestown in Guyana, a so-called utopia that quickly turned into a nightmare of hard labor, communal living, and psychological abuse. The episode provides chilling details of life inside Jonestown, including suicide drills known as 'white nights' and the isolation imposed on followers.

The situation came to a head with the visit of Congressman Leo Ryan in November 1978, which led to a violent ambush at a nearby airstrip and Ryan's subsequent death. This marked the beginning of the end, culminating in the mass suicide orchestrated by Jones, immortalized in the infamous 'death tape.' The episode examines the psychological manipulation that led to such a tragic end and discusses various conspiracy theories surrounding the event.

We also hear the harrowing stories of survivors like Leslie Wilson and Vernon Gosney, who provide crucial insights into the psychological hold Jones had over his followers. The episode concludes with a reflection on the Jonestown Massacre's impact on society's understanding of cults, the importance of critical thinking, and the need to safeguard individual autonomy. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the darkest chapters of human history.

00:00 Introduction to the Jonestown Massacre

00:29 Jim Jones: Early Life and Troubled Childhood

01:14 Rise to Power: From Ministry to Manipulation

01:52 Apostolic Socialism and the Move to Guyana

03:11 Life in Jonestown: Control and Fear

04:16 Congressman Ryan's Visit and the Airstrip Attack

05:32 The Mass Suicide: Revolutionary Suicide and Its Aftermath

12:10 Conspiracy Theories and Alternative Explanations

14:57 Survivors' Stories and the Impact on Society

16:18 Lessons Learned: Critical Thinking and Vigilance

19:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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