The Hindu : Front Page : Prospects for Asif’s release dim

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Friday, Jun 06, 2008
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Prospects for Asif’s release dim

Atul Aneja

K. Pichumani

DUBAI: The prospects of Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif's release from detention suffered a setback on Thursday after investigations to determine whether he was carrying contraband substance began to make some headway. Mr. Asif's statement was recorded before the Public Prosecutor on Thursday.

The reports of his urine and blood test, along with an analysis of the substance recovered from him, were also presented. The case hearing has been scheduled for June 8, after which the Chief Prosecutor Mohammed Rustom is expected to rule on whether the case merits a trial.

Pakistan's Geo TV reported that it has been determined that the 0.24 grams of the black substance that Mr. Asif was carrying with him was opium. However, Pakistan cricket officials have not confirmed this report. Asked whether the Dubai General Department of Forensic Science had identified the substance as opium, Nadeem Akram, a senior Pakistan Cricket Board official told The Hindu that "this has not been officially communicated to us." Mr. Akram said Mr. Asif has not been charge-sheeted. He has been sent back to the airport detention centre and will be produced before the prosecutor on Sunday.

Mr. Asif was detained at Dubai airport on June 1, after a suspected banned substance was recovered from him. Dubai has a "zero tolerance" drug enforcement policy, Ashish Mehta, a lawyer told The Hindu . He added that opium falls under the category of a "hard drug" and its possession under UAE law carries a minimum punishment of four years.

Meanwhile, the UAE daily, Khaleej Times, reported earlier that the Dubai Attorney General was empowered to sign administrative deportation orders, which could prevent the case from being referred to Dubai courts.

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