African drug dealer says sorry, asks for mercy

An African man caught smuggling more than one kg of cocaine in his stomach told the Court of Appeals in Abu Dhabi he was regretful and asked for mercy.

The defendant promised not to take drugs again and told the judge he had embraced Islam in jail because he was serious in repenting.

“He asked for mercy and said he was very sorry to have tried to bring drugs. He said he had converted to Islam because he was determined to repent,” the Arabic language daily 'Emarat Al Youm' said, adding that hearings were adjourned to May 3.

The unnamed man was arrested at Abu Dhabi airport after images showed he was hiding nearly 1.08 kg of cocaine in his stomach.

He was sentenced by a court of first instance to 15 years in prison and fined Dh50,000.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.