Bangalore-based fashion designer and choreographer, Prasad Bidappa, has been detained at the Dubai airport for allegedly carrying marijuana.

Officials at the Indian consulate in Dubai said they were aware of Bidappa's detention on Saturday and he has been provided with consular access.

"Our officials met him. We will provide whatever assistance is possible within the framework of the law," Indian Consul General Yash Sinha said on Tuesday.

"The case is under trial and we have recommended some lawyers for him. He has informed us that he is being treated well," Sinha said.

Bidappa's wife Judith said the issue is not whether her husband smokes marijuana but the fact that he was found carrying it in a country that does not permit this.

"What is permissible in some cultures may be a crime in others, including public display of a section, dress code and consumption of alcohol," she said.

She said her husband spoke to her over telephone and informed her that he is confident that everything would be cleared soon.

Judith said her husband was detained at Dubai Airport on June 11, 'apparently with a small quantity of marijuana that was allegedly found in his hand baggage. He had gone to Dubai to sign a contract for an event there'.

A friend of Prasad in Dubai said, "I have known the family for 30 years and I am quite disturbed to see him in such a situation. I have spoken to the Indian Consulate. I'm sure it was not a deliberate act on his part. It was just a mistake."