ABU DHABI // An Etihad Airways passenger was arrested eight days after his flight landed when authorities found 15 bullets in his suitcase, the State Security Court heard yesterday.
ST, an Arab, said the bullets were for a licensed 9.5mm gun which he bought in Syria.
He flew into the UAE from Turkey on an Etihad Airways flight, but his baggage was lost during the journey, he told the court.
He requested bail, saying he had spent two months in jail already.
“Why should I bail you out?” asked Chief Justice Falah Al Hajeri.
The man replied that while in custody he had lost his job in Ajman and that he was the sole provider for his wife and nine children.
“If you have that much responsibility you should have been more careful,” the judge replied.
A verdict is expected next Monday.
hdajani@thenational.ae