Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

An Indian visitor to Dubai was spared a potential Dh1-million fine after a Dubai Appeal Court recognized that he was carrying prescription medication intended for his ailing parents, not for personal misuse. The court, however, upheld a reduced fine of Dh5,000, dismissing the harsher penalty initially sought by prosecutors. The defendant, who arrived in Dubai in June, was detained after customs officials discovered 260 capsules of pregabalin in his luggage. Although pregabalin is a controlled substance in the UAE, the defendant’s lawyer, Hani Hammouda Hagag, argued that the pills were intended for the visitor's parents, who have lived in the UAE since the 1970s and have prescriptions for the medication. "My client had no criminal intent and brought the medication legally for his parents, who have chronic illnesses," Hagag explained. He presented medical records and prescriptions from the Dubai Health Authority to support his claim. He also argued that customs officials did not thoroughly review the provided documents. The initial court ruling convicted the defendant of smuggling and possession of a banned drug, issuing a Dh5,000 fine but no deportation order. Prosecutors then appealed for a more severe penalty to discourage future smuggling attempts, requesting a Dh1-million fine. However, the Dubai Appeal Court ruled in favor of the defense, upholding the original judgment and fine without adding a deportation order. The defendant has since returned to India, following the resolution of his legal issues in Dubai. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page