Driver assaulted police who found drugs in his car, court hears

Man was stopped for a motoring offence but police suspected he was under the influence of drugs

A motorist assaulted two police officers after they uncovered a stash of drugs during a search of his car, a court heard.

The Emirati man, 32, had been pulled over on March 6 while travelling through Al Barsha, Dubai, by patrolling police alerted to the fact his car registration had expired.

When the officers spoke to the driver they grew suspicious that he was under the influence of drugs and conducted a search of his vehicle.

They found methamphetamine and Lyrica tablets, which are used to treat epilepsy but are banned in the UAE.

"When we were double checking his documents, we noticed that he and the woman in his company were not in a normal condition," said a policeman, 24.
"We found drugs in his car and asked him to accompany us to the police station but he wouldn't."

The man allegedly kicked and pushed both officers before throwing himself to the ground.

“He started hitting himself, throwing his body to the ground and resisting arrest. We had to call for backup,” said the officer.

Police restrained the man and transported him to a police station for questioning.

It was later found that he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, Dubai Criminal Court was told.

In court on Monday, he denied charges of physical assault, possessing and using drugs.

The case was adjourned until September 12, when a verdict is due to be passed.