Dubai – A 45-year-old Asian man has been sentenced to two years in prison and fined Dh100,000 after being caught smuggling hundreds of capsules containing a controlled substance through Dubai International Airport. The Dubai Criminal Court also ordered his deportation following the completion of his sentence.
The case unfolded when customs officers at the airport became suspicious of the passenger during routine baggage checks. Upon inspection, officials discovered 480 capsules hidden in his luggage.
The capsules were subsequently sent for laboratory testing, which confirmed the presence of a restricted pharmaceutical compound prohibited in the UAE without an official medical prescription.
Investigators determined that the man had no supporting documents or prescriptions authorising him to carry or import the medication. During questioning, the defendant admitted that he had transported the capsules from his home country with the intention of delivering them to another individual residing in the UAE.
According to court documents, the man failed to provide any credible explanation or legal documentation to justify his possession of the drugs. Authorities noted that his actions violated federal drug control laws and posed a risk to public health and safety.
“The accused was aware of the legal restrictions and failed to obtain the necessary medical or customs approvals,” a prosecution representative said. “His intent to distribute the substance to another person within the UAE added to the severity of the offence.”
In addition to the prison sentence and fine, the Dubai Criminal Court imposed further restrictions on the man’s financial activities after his release. For a period of two years, he will be prohibited from transferring or depositing funds to other individuals, whether directly or indirectly, unless he secures prior approval from the UAE Central Bank and the Ministry of Interior.
Legal experts say the ruling reflects the UAE’s strict zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal importation and distribution of controlled medications. The country maintains rigorous pharmaceutical regulations and routinely reminds travellers to carry prescriptions for any medication classified as restricted.
“This verdict sends a clear message that smuggling medication, even for personal or unofficial delivery, is a criminal act with serious consequences,” said a Dubai-based legal consultant familiar with the case.
Authorities have reiterated their warning to international travellers to familiarise themselves with the UAE’s drug laws before arrival. Medications that may be legal in one country can be classified as controlled substances in the UAE, and unauthorised possession can lead to arrest, prosecution, and deportation.
The passenger is currently serving his sentence and will be deported immediately upon completion. Officials also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify the recipient of the capsules within the UAE.
The case has sparked renewed attention to the importance of compliance with UAE customs and health regulations, particularly at the country’s major ports of entry.