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AN alleged drug dealer denied that he was caught in a sting operation and claimed the narcotics seized from his residence belonged to his friends.
The 33-year-old Bangladeshi man is on trial at the High Criminal Court and is facing charges of using methemphetamine, locally known as shabu, and possessing the narcotic with an intent to distribute it to customers.
He denied dealing in drugs but admitted to using shabu.
“Secret sources came forward stating that the defendant was involved in drug-dealing and so I intensified investigations to corroborate the claims,” said a Bahraini anti-narcotics officer in his statement to the Public Prosecution.
“A confidential informant was instructed to get close to the defendant and on May 29, he called the 33-year-old under the supervision of authorities and arranged to buy BD200 worth of shabu.
“They agreed to meet in Manama and upon arriving at the meeting place, the informant called the defendant who started to walk towards him.
“However, the 33-year-old soon sensed that a sting operation was underway and attempted to flee, which is when we arrested him.”
According to the officer’s statement, a rolled-up joint with shabu was found in the defendant’s pocket.
Meanwhile, a search of his apartment in Manama revealed pre-rolled joints of shabu concealed in a glass case while sensitive scales were also found in his drawer.
The defendant, however, denied drug dealing during his interrogation with the Public Prosecution and claimed he was at home when the police arrived.
“I came to Bahrain seven years ago and I’ve been working as an electrician for BD300 a month,” said the 33-year-old in his statement to the Public Prosecution.
“I started using shabu a month prior to my arrest and on May 29, I was at my home when policemen suddenly showed up,” he added.
“They identified themselves and said they had a search warrant. They raided my home and found drugs that belong to my friends.
“My friends would buy narcotics through dead drops and I would let them borrow my work vehicle to pick up the drugs and in exchange, they would give me a small quantity for my personal use.”
The case has been adjourned to Thursday to provide lawyers with documents while keeping the defendant in custody.
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