Sport | Cricket
Asif body-blow
Forensic examinations have confirmed that Mohammad Asif was in possession of the banned recreational drug opium.
- By Bassam Za'za', Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:11 June 6, 2008
- Mohammad Asif
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
Dubai: Forensic examinations have confirmed that Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif, who was arrested at Dubai International Airport on Sunday, was in possession of the banned recreational drug opium.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Ali Rustom told Gulf News yesterday that Asif will continue to be held in custody at the Dubai Airport detention centre, until further investigation.
"Dubai police's forensic laboratory results have confirmed that the contraband substance which was discovered in Asif's wallet is opium," said Rustom.
"The suspect is still being detained at the airport and is being questioned by the public prosecution facing charges of smuggling and possessing drugs."
Lab findings
Rustom explained that the public prosecution has not yet issued an official bill of charges against the cricketer. However, this will happen when the investigation is completed.
The Chief Prosecutor also told Gulf News that when Asif was confronted with the findings (results of the forensic lab) yesterday, the cricketer claimed that he was unaware that it was a drug and alleged that he uses the substance for power enhancement.
Rustom estimates that the investigation could be completed within a week, from today.
It is believed that Asif had 0.24gms of opium in his wallet when he was transiting through Dubai en route to Pakistan from India, where he played in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament.
Rustom explained that the public prosecution yesterday listened to the statement of the custom officer who on Sunday caught Asif and seized the banned substance that he had in his possession.
Referred to court
Rustom said that the investigation will continue on Sunday and after that it will be decided whether the cricketer will be charged and referred to the Dubai Court of First Instance where he will be prosecuted, or if he will be deported instantly.
Asif, 25, is considered to be one of the most promising fast bowlers in Pakistan.
He has claimed 51 wickets in 11 Test matches and 36 wickets in 31 one-day international matches.
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