Dubai, UAE – A 35-year-old Arab woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Dh100,000 by the Dubai Criminal Court for drug possession and consumption. The court also ordered her deportation upon completion of her sentence and imposed a two-year ban on her financial transactions, requiring prior approval from the UAE Central Bank in coordination with the Ministry of Interior for any money transfers or deposits.
The case, which dates back to April of last year, came to light after Dubai Police’s anti-narcotics unit received a tip-off about the woman’s alleged drug activities near Al Twar, close to Al Qiyadah Metro Station. Investigations revealed that the woman had been acquiring narcotics through social media platforms and transferring payments to local bank accounts. She would then receive instructions on where to collect the drugs.
According to a police officer involved in the case, the woman had recently purchased drugs worth Dh500, transferring the amount to a bank account before receiving a WhatsApp message with the pickup location. Acting on this information, police set up a sting operation and arrested her near her residence while she was driving. A search of her vehicle uncovered quantities of banned substances, and forensic tests confirmed her drug use.
During questioning, the woman admitted to obtaining the narcotics from an individual outside the country. Based on the evidence presented, the court found her guilty and handed down the sentence, which includes a hefty fine, imprisonment, and subsequent deportation.
The case highlights the UAE’s stringent anti-drug laws and the authorities’ commitment to combating drug-related activities. The court’s decision underscores the severe consequences faced by individuals involved in the possession, consumption, or distribution of illegal substances in the country.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activities related to drugs, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining the UAE’s zero-tolerance stance against narcotics.
