Orange crate heroin case adjourned to next month

 Dubai Criminal Court that is hearing the case of alleged heroin smuggling in orange crates has ordered defence lawyers to be appointed for the three accused.

In June police foiled an attempt by two Nigerians and a Pakistani to smuggle more than 50kg heroin worth more than Dh4million in orange crates. In an operation codenamed 'Orange Harvest', the cops arrested the trio.

One of the Nigerians, KO, 34, salesman, admitted to possessing 16.1kg  of heroin but denied smuggling charges before the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance. His compatriot, MS, 32, denied possessing or trafficking 29.8kg of the drug. Pakistani, MA, 36, salesman, denied possession and trafficking 9.8kg of heroin.

MA was arrested in Al Aweer; KO, in Naif; and MS near Hor Al Anz. The 2,565 orange cartons had arrived in Jebel Ali Port from Afghanistan via Pakistan. Police said the drugs were probably heading to Africa and then to Europe. According to records, the consignment was stored in a warehouse at the fruit and vegetable market in Al Aweer.

MAH, Bangladeshi, salesman, testified that MA approached him and asked him to find a warehouse where he could store a large shipment of oranges in return for a commission.

"He came with two other compatriot men claiming that the shipment was for them, I found warehouse space for 1,005 boxes, and the rest were sold. MA called me and said the two men will come to the warehouse and take some boxes. I noticed when they came they were looking for certain marked boxes," MAH said.

A few days later, police came and asked about the orange boxes, MAH said. "There were 700 boxes remaining in the warehouse. Police confiscated all of them,” he said.

The court ordered appointing defence lawyers to the accused and adjourned until October 17. 
 

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