DUBAI // A man accused of smuggling poppy seeds told a court he thought they were spices to cook with.
Indian SA, 45, was detained at Dubai International Airport on May 25 and found with 103 grams of the seeds.
He said he bought a bag of spices without knowing they contained poppy seeds.
"I bought garam masala and biryani spices," the defendant told the court through a translator.
"I didn't know they were poppy seeds. I bought spices and thought they were spices unknowing about their true nature."
He denied a charge of smuggling and possessing drugs at Dubai Criminal Court.
A police officer said the Indian had admitted to knowing they were poppy seeds.
"I searched his luggage and found a plastic bag containing the seeds. I asked him about their nature and he said they were poppy seeds and that he brought them to cook with them," said Emirati policewoman AM, 30.
Prosecutors said the seeds were ready to be planted and said the defendant had confessed to bringing them to the UAE for purposes of consumption.
A verdict is expected on September 24.
salamir@thenational.ae
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
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Install an air filter in your home.
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Shower or bath after being outside.
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Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
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Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
