Court upholds drug smuggler’s imprisonment

TDT | Manama

The Supreme Criminal Court of Appeal yesterday upheld the imprisonment of a Gulf national who was convicted earlier this year for smuggling hashish into the Kingdom through King Fahd Causeway.

As reported earlier, the man received a 10-year imprisonment sentence and was fined BD5,000 by the First High Criminal Court, which also ordered his deportation.

In addition to the drug smuggling charge, the man was also convicted of selling the drugs here. The court also acquitted a second defendant who was involved in the same crime.

According to court files, both defendants were caught with a piece of hashish concealed in the car while entering Bahrain through the Causeway back in June 2018.

They raised suspicion after the customs k9 dog barked continuously at their vehicle, signalling to the officers that the car consists of banned materials. The officers asked the defendants if they have any prohibited materials onboard, but they both denied.

Apiece of hashish wrapped in black foil was found in the gloves compartment of the vehicle when searched. During interrogation, the first defendant confessed that the piece belonged to him and that it was for personal use.

However, further investigation showed that the man frequently smuggled hashish into the Kingdom through the Causeway, sells it here and leaves the country after receiving the money.