Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Dubai's Court of Appeal has upheld a seven-year prison sentence and a Dh200,000 fine for a Gulf national convicted of possessing and abusing narcotic drugs. The defendant was arrested in his vehicle in Dubai’s Nad Al Hamar area last year, where he was caught with various drugs, including psychotropic substances. The arrest took place in September 2023, following a tip-off received by Dubai Police’s General Department of Anti-Narcotics. Officers were dispatched to the location after obtaining approval from the public prosecution. Upon arrival, the defendant was found in his vehicle, where a search revealed narcotics in his possession. Further investigation uncovered additional quantities of drugs hidden inside his car. The forensic lab report confirmed the presence of narcotic drugs in samples taken from the defendant. The seized substances, weighing over 150 grams, were listed in the federal law's schedule of narcotics, leading to charges of drug possession and abuse. The defendant admitted to possessing the drugs during interrogation. His criminal record, along with the evidence presented, led to the sentencing. Despite his appeal, the Court of Appeal upheld the original verdict, reiterating the UAE’s strict stance on drug-related offenses. This case underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking, with authorities maintaining a zero-tolerance policy on narcotics. ICA/Expat Media
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