Man dies of drug overdose in UAE, friends on trial

Fujairah - All three of them were reportedly using drugs at a hotel apartment.

Two GCC nationals have stood trial at the Fujairah Misdemeanour Court for allegedly being involved in the death of their friend who died of drug overdose. The duo were also charged with drug possession and abuse.
Prior to their pal's death, all three of them were reportedly using drugs at a hotel apartment.
When the two men appeared in court, the first defendant denied any involvement in their friend's death but he admitted to drug abuse and requested treatment and rehabilitation.
The second defendant, however, denied all charges, clarifying that the man who died was one of his relatives.
"I was not even there when the policemen stormed the hotel apartment and arrested my friend (first defendant). I really don't know why I am here," he said. 
His lawyer insisted that he had nothing to do with any crime.
"There is not a single evidence of any crime against him."
He didn't hurt his relative, his drug test results were negative, and no narcotics was found in his possession, he added.
"My client was not even at the hotel apartment during the police arrest, and he was later nabbed as per the baseless statement of the first defendant who appeared to be trying to set his friend up and have him involved in a criminal case he has nothing to do with," the lawyer argued.
The trial was adjourned until next week, when a verdict is expected to be released.
ahmedshanaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Fujairah