Four stitched marijuana into tablecloths

ABU DHABI // Four men tried to smuggle marijuana stitched into embroidered tablecloths into the country, an appeals court heard yesterday.

The two cloths were brought into the courtroom where an expert explained that hashish pieces were hidden between the threads of the embroidery, and were clearly visible under a magnifying glass.

The four men had been convicted by the criminal court of using the drug, with one sentenced to life in prison for dealing. He is appealing the conviction.

All four are appealing against their sentence of four years in jail followed by deportation for drug use.

Although they admitted possessing the drug, they claimed it had been for their personal use, not for trade.

The court adjourned the hearing until June 14, when the arresting officer will testify and the lawyer for the defendant convicted of dealing will present his defence.