Man smuggles poppy seeds for cooking

A 33-year-old Indian farmer, who is charged for smuggling and possessing 102.49 grammes of poppy seeds, told Dubai Court that he had brought it to the UAE to use it as a spice in cooking a meal.

The famer, BS, denied the accusation of smuggling and possessing drugs, saying it is a spice which is used in meals.

“I did not smuggle drugs... we use poppy seeds in cooking,” BS told the jury.

According to the records, inspector Sameera Ismael suspected the passenger upon his arrival in Dubai International Airport.

“On searching his luggage, I found a sack containing poppy seeds that can be germinated. When he was questioned, he admitted bringing with him poppy seeds, so he was referred to the Anti-Narcotics Department,” testified the inspector.

The court will give its sentence on July 21.