An alleged drug distributor, who reportedly took great care to conceal his identity and avoid any direct link to narcotics sales, is standing trial at the High Criminal Court.
The Indian man was arrested after policemen staked out his Juffair neighbourhood, and tracked him on one of his alleged drug runs, eventually catching him in the act.
An investigating officer said an informant found the defendant ‘difficult to reach’ to purchase drugs due to his extreme caution.
The 27-year-old expat, who works for a water delivery service, has been charged with trading in hashish and methamphetamine, and possessing methamphetamine for personal use. He admitted to the charges.
The court heard that he received his drug supply for distribution from two unidentified men – one who delivered narcotics hidden inside a flashlight, and another who met him in the shadows with his face covered.
He confessed to authorities that he was acting under the instructions of two Pakistani men, known by the monikers Abu Bakr and Mustafa, who initially supplied him with drugs until he was asked to work for them.
In return for his services, the Indian national received methamphetamine for personal use and was paid BD1 for each delivery.
“We received information from secret sources about the suspect, who is part of a drug trafficking and promoting network,” the officer earlier testified.
“After obtaining a warrant from the Public Prosecution, a team of policemen was deployed to the Juffair area,” he added.
The Indian defendant was allegedly seen on a dead-drop route, concealing small rolls containing crystal and powdered meth behind seemingly-random objects on the street, and then photographing each location.
Officers tailing him retrieved all the hidden packets and then arrested him, finding nine additional packets on his person, with a total weight of 32.6gm.
His apartment was searched, where more narcotics were allegedly found, including 523gm of hashish and 74.4gm of meth.
“I started using methamphetamine in January, then a friend from work offered that I work for the two Pakistani men, in exchange for a supply of narcotics,” the defendant said.
“I then met the two men who gave me quantities to sell, including an African man who delivered the meth to me inside an electric torch.”
Traces of these narcotics were found in his urine, according to the prosecution.
Judges adjourned the trial to December 21 to appoint a defence lawyer.
&uuid=(email))