Judges are deliberating a case involving six men accused of importing methamphetamine, a potent central nervous system stimulant, allegedly concealed in an airmailed package of cylinder door locks from the UK.
Five Pakistanis and one Bahraini have been standing trial at the High Criminal Court on allegations of being part of an international drug-trafficking ‘gang’, specialised in smuggling and promoting illicit substances.
Three individuals – a Lebanese woman, an Iranian and a Pakistani man – are standing trial alongside the six men, on charges of possessing narcotics for personal use.
One of the defendants, a 37-year-old Pakistani sales representative, has also been charged with selling heroin, and possessing morphine, heroin and meth for recreational use.
A report was made about a suspicious package, which appeared to contain locks stuffed with a white powder, later confirmed to be 426g of meth.
Package
The package was addressed to the 27-year-old Bahraini defendant, who was arrested once he came to collect the package, and, the court heard, he informed on his two Pakistani accomplices.
More gang members were reportedly identified and the Anti-Narcotics Directorate obtained a warrant from the Public Prosecution to arrest and question them.
After the directorate uncovered a suspected chain of command and apprehended others allegedly involved, it drew several conclusions.
According to the directorate, investigations found a ‘gang-like’ organisation ‘run by individuals outside Bahrain’ responsible.
“Large quantities of narcotics and stimulants were being imported from overseas and handed to members of the organisation, who promoted and sold it for profit,” read the report.
“Among the promoters and dealers were those who delegated to secondary dealers, and the drugs were disseminated through dead drops.”
The report also identified a 25-year-old Pakistani, who is accused of being the operation’s ringleader, and he is standing trial in absentia.
The labourer co-ordinated the sales with other members, by receiving the stock, dividing it, handing it to dealers and directing its distribution, stated the report.
Three more defendants were charged with possessing narcotics for recreational use: a 33-year-old Lebanese project manager (morphine and meth) and a 43-year-old Iranian cook (morphine).
The third, a 42-year-old Pakistani sales manager, was accused of possessing hashish, heroin and tramadol, along with drugs belonging to the benzodiazepine class: alprazolam (Xanax), bromazepam and diazepam (Valium).
Judges set May 27 as the date a ruling will be made in the case.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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