Dubai’s Strong Drug Policy
The United Arab Emirates is known for its strict policies relating to drugs use and traffic. These policies underwent several significant changes in the recent years and are not lightly less severe for first-time offenders, though drug possession and commercialization as still prohibited.
Those who are first-offenders charged with the possession of drugs are now given the option to commit the sentence in a rehabilitation center, providing that the accused has a good representative to represent his or her case to the jury in this or other possible related cases.
It is important to note that even though the United Arab Emirates have the use of medical marijuana allowed in some places, they have zero toleration when it comes to recreational drugs, as well as some prescription drugs. Before visiting the country, it is recommended to check whether your prescribed drug is allowed there and if so, still it is advised to keep your prescription at hand at all times.
Those charged with drug possession, when convicted, serve a mandatory 4 years imprisonment. The Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 states that is a federal crime “to produce, import, export, transport, buy, sell, possess, store narcotics and psychotropic substances unless done so as a part of supervised and regulated medical or scientific activities in accordance with the applicable laws.”.
Although the United Arab Emirates are not a big producer or consumer of drugs, it is a route through which the marijuana from Pakistan is exported.
In the event of you being accused of drug possession and not pleading guilty, a defense attorney will be determined to attend you by the criminal defense.
The way of how your case will be treated will depend upon which state the fact occurred, as they differ in the way each one approach the problem, with some being less severe than the State Government, which tends to have a tougher sentencing. While that is true, the treatment of drug possession is almost always treated in the same way by all the states, usually following the described above.
Unauthorised, Banned & Not approved Medicines in Dubai, UAE from Ministry of Health and Prevention
List of Controlled Medicines and Medications, registered with the Ministry of Health in the UAE
Guidelines for travelers carrying personal medicines into the Dubai, UAE
Latest Banned and restricted goods – Sharjah Customs – UAE
What you may not bring into the UAE – Abu Dhabi International Airport
What you may not bring into the UAE – Dubai International Airport
The majority of cases of drug possession charges are related to small amounts of controlled substances (without the proper prescription, in hand or at all) that are found on the person or in their belongings. This has led to a routine of drug possession charges by the dedicated police departments responsible for drug related issues and defending and sentencing of the accused, although it is possible to obtain a more favorable outcome.
Proper procedures for search and arrest of suspects in drug offenses
1 thought on “Illegal Drugs Offences Procedure, Punishment and Policy in Dubai or UAE”
Is there any award for those who will guide the authority where or whose the drug dealer in Abu Dhabi?