(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A customs clearance official stood trial in the Sharjah Shariah Court of First Instance, accused of passing a shipment that contains psychotropic substances.
The official, who worked at Khalid Port in Sharjah pleaded not guilty to the charge of smuggling tramadol in a shipment that came from India. He told the presiding judge Dr Yacoub Al Hammadi that he did not know what was the goods in the container, claiming that according to papers received by him, the container carried creams and cosmetic products. He said that his work is just to do the customs delivery permit. He said that he was surprised when police officials told him about the existence of drugs inside the container. The lawyer of the accused said that according to the witnesses' statements, the goods were lying on the sidewalk of the port after it came from India. He also said that the statement by the witnesses that the accused was in a state of confusion and fear when he was told that there is a suspicion about the contents of the shipment could not be considered as an evidence on his involvement. The fear and confusion in a such a situation is only a natural reaction, said the counsellor. The case is adjourned to August 28. Amira Agarib