Monday, February 21 2005 21:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Abu Dhabi: A four-member team of Indian embassy officials today (Feb 21, 2005) gained consular access to actor Vijay Raaz who was detained by Dubai police last week for allegedly possessing drugs.

During the meeting, Raaz told the officials that he was innocent and did not know how the drugs came into his hand baggage. He also appealed to the UAE authorities to sympathetically consider his case, police sources said.

Raaz was arrested on arrival at the Abu Dhai International Airport on February 15.

The Bollywood actor spent over an hour with the officials and is learnt to have broken down during the meeting. He also enquired about the welfare of his wife Krishna and child.

If convicted Raaz could face upto eight years of imprisonment under the stringent UAE laws for possessing drugs.

A lawyer has been appointed to appeal on his behalf but would be able to meet him only after permission is given by the public prosecutors office.

Raaz was in the UAE for the shooting of the film 'Diwane Hue Paagal' directed by Vikram Bhatt. Despite Raaz's arrest the shooting of the movie has begun in Dubai.