Italian businessman sentenced to four years in jail for taking cocaine

DUBAI // An Italian businessman was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday for taking cocaine.

The 33-year-old confessed to the charge when he appeared at Dubai Criminal Court last month. “Yes, I did,” A M said, when the court asked whether he took the drug or not.

On June 18 this year, A M was arrested after Dubai Police’s anti-narcotics department received a tip-off.

The defendant was charged with consuming cocaine and another substance, but when he appeared in court only confessed to taking cocaine. Prosecutors said A M confessed during investigations.

A urine sample tested positive for the drug, and the Italian will be deported after completing his jail term.

The verdict remains subject to appeal within 15 days.