Dubai: Two pizza waiters have been cleared of possessing 0.08 grams of methamphetamine for trading purposes.
The Filipino waiters, M.M. and R.S., both aged 32, had earlier pleaded not guilty.
Citing lack of evidence, the Dubai Court of First Instance acquitted the duo.
However, presiding judge Ala’a Al Deen Fouad sentenced M.M. to one year in jail for possessing and consuming methamphetamine.
The latter will be deported following the completion of his jail term. Meanwhile R.S. is expected to be released soon.
Drugs prosecutors had asked that the court give the duo life terms.
M.M. admitted in court earlier that he possessed the methamphetamine for personal use.
The duo’s court-appointed lawyer said the suspects did not possess the methamphetamine for trading purposes and that law enforcement procedures were carried out unlawfully against them. He said the amount was too small for trading purposes or distribution.
“Besides M.M. confessed that he possessed the banned substance for his personal consumption,” said the lawyer.
An anti-narcotics policeman said an informant had agreed to purchase methamphetamine for Dh1,000 from R.S. at Al Rigga.
“We obtained prosecutor’s permission to search and arrest the defendants. An anti-narcotics police team was dispatched to the area at 10.30am to watch the deal taking place between the informant and the defendants. We stayed in front of the pizza place where they worked. When the deal was sealed, police raided the place and busted the suspects. M.M. was detained outside the pizza place meanwhile R.S. was arrested inside. Upon searching their residence, police seized a few instruments that are used by addicts,” said the policeman.
Sunday’s ruling remains subject to appeal within 15 days.
