Abu Dhabi drug addict asks to be sent to rehab unit

ABU DHABI // A man sentenced to four years in jail for consuming drugs asked a court to send him to a rehabilitation unit instead.

AS, an Emirati, said he was addicted to heroin, hashish and codeine, but was already seeking treatment at the time of his arrest. He said he had lost his job because of the conviction and needed to be able to work to support his four children, wife and mother.

"I made a mistake, and I regret it," he said. "But I was getting treatment and I wish the court would allow me to go back."

The case was adjourned to February 25.

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