DUBAI // A soldier in the UAE armed forces who tested positive for hashish after his commander became suspicious about his tardiness, was this morning sentenced to four years in prison.
The 24-year-old Emirati was found guilty of consuming drugs at the Dubai Criminal Court.
He denied the charge when he appeared in court last month.
His commanding officer, FH, a major in the armed forces' air force unit, told the court the defendant often reported late to roll call.
"His general performance was weak, he was late to shifts and would sleep a lot," said FH.
He added that the defendant would have to be woken up by his colleagues to attend his shifts.
Air Force Security was asked to investigate and the soldier was referred to the Zayed Military Hospital where traces of hashish were found in his urine.
[ salamir@theantional.ae ]
