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American Morning

Last Month, Authorities Arrested 21-Year-Old Erik Aude in Pakistan

Aired March 14, 2002 - 07:40   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: In 1978, there was a very successful movie that came out called "Midnight Express." It was the story of an American who was jailed in Turkey on drug charges and it was a movie that was based on a true story. Well apparently, something very similar has happened again to an American actor who is currently jailed in Pakistan.

Last month, authorities arrested 21-year-old Erik Aude in Islamabad, Pakistan. They say they found eight pounds of opium in the lining of a suitcase that Aude was carrying. He recently appeared in the movie, "Dude, where's my car?" And he also made a guest appearance on the TV kid's show "Skeeter" (ph).

He is scheduled to be formally charged on Saturday. If convicted, he could face life in prison, he could be executed. Aude's mother claims her son is a victim, that he was set up. Sherry Aude joins us now on AMERICAN MORNING from Los Angeles - Ms. Aude, nice to have you with us.

Let me ask you about the warnings you said you had received if you went public with this. Tell me what happened.

SHERRY AUDE, ERIK AUDE'S MOTHER: I've actually been told not to go public because my son's life, as well as mine, can be in jeopardy.

CAFFERTY: Who told you this?

AUDE: I was told this by the law enforcement.

CAFFERTY: Our law enforcement or overseas?

AUDE: No, sir. The law enforcement here in Los Angeles County.