Pakistani speedster Mohammad Asif’s troubles compounded after forensic examinations confirmed that he was carrying banned recreational drug opium when he was arrested at the Dubai International Airport on Sunday.

However, the good news for Asif is that his urine sample was found to be negative by the UAE authorities.
Asif will continue to be in custody at the Dubai Airport detention centre, until further investigation, chief prosecutor Mohammad Ali Rustom told Gulf News Thursday.


"Dubai police’s forensic laboratory results have confirmed that the contraband substance discovered in Asif’s wallet is opium," said Rustom.
"Asif is being questioned by the public prosecution, facing charges of smuggling and possessing drugs," he said.


Rustom explained that the cricketer has not yet been formally charged as this will happen only when the investigation is completed. Rustom expects the investigation to be completed within a week from Friday.
It is believed that Asif had 0.24gms of opium in his wallet when he was transiting through Dubai en route to Pakistan from India, where he played in the Indian Premier League.
Public prosecution also heard statements made by the customs officer who had caught Asif.


Rustom said the investigation will continue until Sunday and it will then be decided whether to lay charges against the cricketer and refer to the Dubai Court of First Instance where he will be prosecuted, or to be deported.


The worst news for the fast bowler is that senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials give him just a 50-50 chance of escaping from the drug scandal without any punishment.
"After closely looking at Asif’s situation, I believe he has a 50-50 chance of avoiding any punishment," an official wishing to remain anonymous told The News.