A passenger accused of bringing and possessing illegal substances escaped a lengthy imprisonment and ended up with a Dh10,000 fine after his lawyer convinced the court to downgrade his charges. The Arab man was accused of bringing and possessing 24 e-cigarettes containing a substance mixed with cannabis and 19-and-a-half amphetamine pills. The substances were seized at Dubai International Airport, weighing a total of 23.5 grams of cannabis and 3.87 grams of amphetamine. Prosecutors sought the toughest punishment applicable without specifying the defendant’s intent behind the possession.
The defendant’s lawyer, Massouma Al Sayegh, argued before the court that the forensic lab was unable to specify the exact weight of the illegal substances in the e-cigarettes, making it essential to prove that the total weight was less than 20 grams to avoid a lengthy punishment and deportation. The lawyer convinced the court to refer the seized possessions to the forensic lab for re-examination to determine the exact weight of the substances. The defendant admitted to bringing and possessing the substances for personal consumption and tested positive for amphetamine.
During the prosecution questioning, the defendant pleaded guilty to bringing and possessing the substances for personal use. The lawyer defended her client’s actions, stating that the accusations were unfounded and baseless, and requested the court to downgrade the charges from the crime of possessing drugs to possessing a mind-affecting substance for personal usage. The Dubai Criminal Court acquitted the defendant of possessing drugs due to the inability of the forensic lab to determine the exact weight of the seized substance.
The defendant was fined Dh10,000 for possessing a mind-affecting substance for personal use and was prohibited from depositing or transferring money without permission from the UAE Central Bank and the Interior Ministry within two years of his punishment. The Dubai Appeal Court upheld the primary ruling, highlighting the importance of legal representation in criminal cases to secure favourable outcomes for the defendant. To avoid severe legal repercussions, it is essential for individuals accused of drug-related offences to seek legal counsel and present a strong defence in court.
