DUBAI // A pair of sailors and a tourist were arrested with almost nine kilograms of heroin that they planned to sell in the country, Dubai Criminal Court heard on Sunday.
The Iranian men were arrested on February 24 in a sting operation after police were tipped off about their activities.
A police officer posed as a buyer for the 8.9 kilograms of heroin, which the tourist was trying to sell for Dh360,000.
The 43-year-old lieutenant colonel said that he was provided with tourist’s number and arranged to meet him at 8pm on February 24 at Dubai port.
“They took the money and handed me two plastic bags containing the heroin,” said the policeman.
During interrogation, the sailors, 27 and 24, said that they were hired by the third defendant, 26, to smuggle the drugs into the country aboard their boat in return for US $2,000.
The third defendant said he would then fly to Dubai to sell the heroin.
In court on Sunday, the three were charged with smuggling and possessing drugs with intent to sell, while one was also charged with consuming drugs.
All three denied all charges.
A verdict will be issued on May 29.
salamir@thenational.ae
