Briton facing death penalty in Abu Dhabi caught in undercover police operation Under questioning, he allegedly named the Briton as his supplier. "The Syrian said that he bought drugs from the Briton and he would deal with him and the Briton would prepare any quantity that he needed," says the file. The authorities placed the Syrian under surveillance when he met the Briton again seeking to buy more drugs. "NL" was allegedly caught selling a consignment of cannabis, hidden in a bag in the boot of his car, worth about £250. The Syrian's phone had also been tapped, allegedly showing that he arranged drug supplies from the Briton. Police then searched "NL"'s home and discovered cannabis packed inside plastic bags. Photographs of these consignments are exhibited in the file, along with text messages downloaded from the Briton's phone that allegedly show him arranging sales. A Sudanese man and a UAE citizen were also arrested, although they were charged only with possession. According to the file, the Briton pleaded not guilty to selling drugs, but admitted possession. "He said that he had the drugs not for trading but for his own use," it reads. However, the Abu Dhabi Court of First Instance convicted "NL" of selling drugs and imposed the death penalty on Monday. In the UAE, a capital sentence means death by firing squad. But a judicial steeplechase lies ahead, beginning with the Appeal Court which automatically reviews the punishment. Even if the outcome is confirmed at this stage, the case would probably go before the Supreme Court. The chances of the death penalty being imposed seem minimal. About a dozen capital sentences have been passed for drugs offences since 2007. Every one has been quashed by the higher courts.