Hip-hop producer in cocaine trial in Dubai

DUBAI - US hip-hop producer Dallas Austin, who has worked with stars including Madonna and Michael Jackson, has pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine during a trial in the United Arab Emirates, local newspapers said today.

The Gulf News daily said Austin was arrested at the airport of the Gulf Arab emirate of Dubai on May 19 when police found at least 1.26 grammes of the drug and other illegal substances in his possession.

Austin was reportedly flying into Dubai to attend a birthday party for supermodel Naomi Campbell.

"I'm guilty, but it was a mistake," he was quoted as telling the court. "I didn't realize I had the drugs with me and I didn't intend to use them here in the UAE."

Austin appeared before the judge at the Dubai Court of First Instance in a white shirt and jeans, sporting a diamond earring, the tabloid 7Days reported.

The judge is due to issue his verdict tomorrow. Austin could face at least four years in jail.

Drug trafficking in the UAE carries the death penalty, but in practice, executions are rare. Drug smuggling convictions of foreigners often result in a jail term followed by deportation.

Diplomats say Dubai, one of seven emirates that make up the UAE and the Gulf region's trade and tourism hub, is a busy route for drug trafficking between Asia and Europe.

- REUTERS