Menna Shalabi, the Egyptian actress was arrested at the Cairo International Airport for possession of illegal drugs, local media reported. Possession of cannabis is illegal and punishable by the laws of Egypt, Shalabi, however, has walked free.
Egyptian Public Prosecution released an official announcement regarding the release of Shalabi on bail for EGP50,000 ($2,035). The materials in her possession have been seized will be sent to the Forensic Authority for examination, the announcement said.
Local media reported that judicial sources said that the majority of drug cases do not require detention unless the case is related to another crime. It was also reported that the Public Prosecution decided not to conduct a drug analysis as Shalabi was coming from a foreign country that allows the use of narcotics.
The General Administration for Drug Control released information stating that the findings of the investigation suggests that Shalabi had purchased the drugs with the intention of using them, Egyptian media reported. Shalabi denied the allegations.
According to Law no. 182 of 1960, Egypt imposes tough penalties on drug trafficking with life imprisonment or the death penalty, if the defendant is found guilty bringing narcotics into the country. The bill also stipulates at least one year prison and a maximum fine of $566 (minimum not less than $57).
Shalabi was the first Arab to be nominated for an International Emmy. Her first film was Al-saher (2001), directed by the late Radwan El-Kashef.
Follow us on
