Duo face trial for drug possession and abuse

Abu Dhabi: Two Arab men are standing trial for drug abuse and possession.

One of the men’s lawyers argued before the Criminal Court of First Instance that his Emirati client, Z.J. was detained and searched without a warrant.

Meanwhile, the second defendant S.I., confessed to the crime adding that the narcotics found were his own, and did not belong to Z.J.

“The warrant was for S.I., your honour, and not my client. Despite that, his house was searched and no illegal substances were found. Yet he was arrested,” the attorney said.

“My client did not know what the contents of the cigarette he took from S.I. were. The proof is that when the Criminal Investigation Department [CID] arrested the second defendant, my client did not flee. This means that he was unaware of any illegal activity taking place. I therefore urge the court that my client be released immediately,” he added.

The lawyer went on to say that keeping Z.J. detained was in violation of his personal freedom, which is protected under the UAE constitution.

“I ask to be treated for addiction,” S.I. told presiding judge Idris Bin Mansour

“I ask to be acquitted,” Z.J. said.

The case has been adjourned until October 23 when the verdict will be announced.