Austin Jailed On Dubai Drug Charge

Atlanta-based R&B producer Dallas Austin is reportedly in a Dubai jail awaiting trial on cocaine possession, his lawyer and police said June 26th.

Austin, who has worked with such artists as TLC, Michael Jackson, Madonna and a host of Atlanta hip-hop stars, was arrested at Dubai’s airport May 19th.

The arrest wasn’t reported until after he appeared at Dubai’s Court of First Instance for a hearing.

A police official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Austin was caught with an unspecified amount of cocaine.

According to his attorney, Austin is not charged with smuggling or trafficking, which carry heavy penalties in Dubai – reportedly including the death penalty for trafficking heavier drugs.

Austin was said to be in the country attending a birthday party for model Naomi Campbell.