An expatriate is on trial for allegedly possessing narcotic substances with the intent to use and sell them for profit.
The 43-year-old, identified as an Egyptian national, was arrested following an investigation by the Anti-Narcotics Directorate.
According to court documents, the directorate received confidential information about a network allegedly importing narcotic and psychotropic substances into Bahrain for trafficking and financial gain.
An investigation was launched, leading authorities to identify the defendant as the alleged recipient of the substances. He was accused of storing, dividing and preparing them for distribution on behalf of the network in exchange for money.
After investigators verified the information, they obtained a warrant from the Public Prosecution to detain the defendant and search his residence.
The man was subsequently arrested, and a search of his home allegedly uncovered various quantities of narcotic substances. Among the items seized were 145 glass bottles containing a liquid substance believed to be synthetic cannabinoids, weighing approximately 3kg and allegedly prepared for sale. Investigators also found spray bottles containing the same substance.
In addition, nearly half a kilogramme of hashish and more than 100 A4-sized sheets saturated with narcotic substances were allegedly recovered.
During questioning by the Public Prosecution, the defendant admitted to using narcotic substances.
A report from the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Evidence confirmed that his urine samples contained psychotropic substances.
A separate forensic analysis also concluded that the seized materials contained hashish, psychotropic substances and synthetic cannabinoids.
According to a report by the Cybercrime Directorate, an examination of the defendant’s mobile phone revealed conversations involving the receipt of photographs and video clips allegedly showing narcotic substances at specified public locations.
Investigators also found photographs of marked locations containing signs and indicators. The report further revealed financial transactions conducted through the BenefitPay application.
The Public Prosecution referred the defendant to trial on charges of possessing hashish and synthetic cannabinoids with intent to traffic them. He was also accused of possessing a psychotropic substance for personal use.
The defendant appeared before the court and denied the charges.
Judges adjourned the case until September 21 to allow time for review and response, and to provide the defence with copies of the case documents.
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