Ep 5. Brazil

In the third season of the gripping documentary series Locked Up Abroad, the fifth episode titled "Brazil" takes us on the harrowing journey of an ex-soldier from the UK who falls victim to a drug smuggling scam and ends up in one of the world's most notorious prisons.

The episode begins with the introduction of Shaun, a former soldier who is struggling to make ends meet after being discharged from the army. In an attempt to earn some quick cash, he agrees to transport a package from Rio de Janeiro to Frankfurt. The offer comes from a friend of a friend and despite his reservations, Shaun decides to take the risk.

However, things take a turn for the worse when Shaun arrives in Rio and is instructed to swallow dozens of capsules filled with cocaine. With no choice but to follow through, he embarks on a terrifying journey through customs and ends up in Frankfurt where he is promptly arrested.

The scenes that follow are nothing short of heart-wrenching as Shaun is interrogated by German police and subjected to painful x-rays and cavity searches. In an effort to minimize his sentence, he agrees to cooperate with the authorities and reveal the identity of the man who hired him for the job.

But as it turns out, this only makes matters worse as Shaun is then extradited to Brazil where he is thrown into one of the most violent and overcrowded prisons in the country. The conditions are abysmal, with inmates crammed into tiny cells with no access to basic amenities like toilets or clean water.

Shaun's first few weeks in prison are a living nightmare as he is constantly tormented by other prisoners and subjected to brutal beatings. It quickly becomes apparent that he will need to form alliances if he wants to survive in this harsh and unforgiving environment.

The episode is a gripping portrayal of the human cost of drug smuggling and the devastating consequences that can result from taking risks in the criminal underworld. Shaun's story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering getting involved in the drug trade, and also shines a light on the appalling conditions faced by prisoners in many parts of the world.

Locked Up Abroad has always been known for its powerful storytelling and "Brazil" is no exception. The episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, from the initial fear and uncertainty felt by Shaun as he embarks on his dangerous mission, to the brutal reality of life behind bars in a Brazilian prison.

Overall, "Brazil" is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in true crime documentaries and for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the world of international drug smuggling. It's a powerful reminder that the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences, and that the allure of quick cash is never worth the price of a life behind bars.