Marijuana smuggler asks court for leniency

Dubai: A suspect who pleaded guilty to illegally smuggling and possessing drugs has asked a court for leniency after having embraced Islam in prison.

" I am guilty... I embraced Islam in prison and I would like to ask you for forgiveness and mercy," the 35-year-old Belgian visitor told the Dubai Court of First Instance on Tuesday.

The Public Prosecution charged the suspect, identified as E.A., with illegally bringing in and possessing a cigarette stuffed with hashish and marijuana seeds weighing 1.32 grams.

The suspect told Presiding Judge Saeed Salem Bin Sarm that he intentionally brought the drugs with him.

A customs inspector at Dubai International Airport suspected the visitor and took him to the search room. "The suspect approached the counter at about 11.10pm. I escorted him to the search room. I didn't find anything when I searched him personally. The visitor had a cigarette package, inside which he placed the hashish cigarette, in his bag," the customs inspector told the Public Prosecution in his statement.

The marijuana seeds were found in the bottom of the bag's pocket.

The suspect was then referred to the anti-narcotics department prior to forwarding him to court.

The lawyer representing the suspect asked for an adjournment until he studies the lawsuit and presents the defence.