ABU DHABI // An man accused of smuggling 2,700 drug pills into the country was yesterday granted bail after bursting into tears.
The man, from Egypt, told the Criminal Court that he had been given the pills by the relative of one of his friend's while he was in his home country.
"I did not know what the medicine was - I did not open the package even," he said. "My intention was pure, I wanted to help the man."
He said that when he reached the airport he opened the bag and showed its contents to airport security, unaware he was carrying anything illegal.
"Never bring any type of medicine for anyone," warned Chief Justice Sayed Abdul Baseer.
The exact nature of the pills was not disclosed by the court. However, a second man testified that he needed the pills for medical treatment.
The court ordered that he undergo tests to prove how much he needs them and adjourned the case until September 17.
hdajani@thenational.ae