Dubai, August 03: A leading Iranian filmmaker was arrested at Dubai International Airport on Friday after 3.4g of opium was recovered from his possession, according to an officer from Dubai Police.
The black-robed filmmaker, who disembarked from an Iran Air flight around 1pm, aroused the suspicion of a Dubai Customs officer.
A search of his baggage revealed nothing incriminatory, but on frisking the filmmaker, the officer found the contraband concealed in his trouser’s hip pocket.
The filmmaker claimed that he had brought the contraband for his personal use.
A test of his blood and urine samples showed traces of opium.
He was referred to Public Prosecution and lodged at the airport detention centre.
According to sources in the Public Prosecution, the Dubai Attorney-General can use his discretion of not pressing charges against a person found carrying up to two grams of drugs for personal use.
However, anybody found in possession of more than two grams of drugs is prosecuted and could face four years in prison.
–Agencies