Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Asif discharged from detention in Dubai

Dubai: Dubai Public Prosecution has dropped a drug case against Mohammad Asif, a Pakistan cricketer who was caught carrying 0.24 grams of opium in his wallet. He will be deported soon, Gulf News learnt on Thursday afternoon.

Mohammad Al Nuaimi, Public Prosecutor who handled Asif's case, told Gulf News: "The case has been dropped against Mohammad Asif due to insignificance ... he will be deported as soon as the police finalise the procedures. It is definite that he committed the crime of smuggling and possessing 0.24 grams of opium as he was caught red-handed ... however at certain cases and for a faster litigation process the Public Prosecution drops a case due to insignificance and deports the suspect."

Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the Pakistani cricketer will be deported within the next 48 hours.

Forensic examinations confirmed that Asif, who was arrested at Dubai International Airport on Sunday, June 1, was in possession of the banned recreational drug opium.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Ali Rustom told Gulf News earlier: "Dubai Police's forensic laboratory results have confirmed that the contraband substance that was discovered in Asif's wallet is opium. The suspect faced charges of smuggling and possessing drugs."

Rustom earlier told Gulf News that when Asif was confronted with the findings (results of the forensic lab), the cricketer claimed that he was unaware that it was a drug and alleged that he used the substance for power enhancement.

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.

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.