A 47-year-old Malaysian national received a life sentence from Dubai’s Criminal Court for trafficking and possessing illegal psychotropic substances. The court also imposed a fine of AED 200,000 and mandated his deportation after serving his prison term. In the UAE, a life sentence typically equates to 25 years.
Details of the Case
The case began on December 15, 2023, when Dubai Customs authorities inspected a suspicious shipment arriving from Belgium. They discovered 2,892 grams of white powder concealed within a water filter. A subsequent shipment from South Africa on February 28, 2024, labeled as “Coffee, Chocolate, and Sweets,” contained approximately 3,638 grams of white powder hidden under brown powder in plastic containers. Forensic analysis confirmed that the substance was ketamine.On March 19, 2024, customs officers apprehended the defendant at the Aramex Al Zahra branch in Dubai while he attempted to collect the second shipment. During questioning, he initially presented a forged Singaporean passport but later admitted its falsity and produced a Malaysian passport.
Court Proceedings
Despite denying involvement in drug smuggling during court hearings, the evidence presented by customs officers included witness testimonies and forensic results. The judges found him guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment along with the hefty fine.
Current Status
The case is now pending in the Court of Appeal as the defendant seeks to contest the ruling. The UAE maintains strict laws against drug trafficking, reflecting its zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offenses.
Conclusion
This case underscores the severe penalties imposed for drug trafficking in the UAE, where authorities actively combat illegal drug trade through stringent enforcement measures.
