The Dubai Criminal Court has sentenced a 37-year-old Malaysian man to life imprisonment, followed by deportation, for attempting to smuggle over 4kg of cocaine through Dubai International Airport. Life imprisonment in the UAE equates to a 25-year sentence.
According to a Khaleej Times report, the defendant, travelling from Brazil to Malaysia via Lisbon and Dubai, was arrested on July 13, 2023, after customs inspectors noticed his nervous behavior and unusual gait. A search of his luggage revealed two plastic-wrapped packages hidden in the bag’s compartments, containing 4,193.5 grams of cocaine.
During the investigation, the man admitted he had agreed to transport the bag for $500, claiming he believed it contained “valuable items” to avoid taxes. However, the court found the concealment method and drug weight proved his full awareness of the crime.
The defendant pleaded not guilty, denying any intent to traffic drugs. The court rejected his defence, highlighting his earlier confession, forensic reports, and the testimony of the arresting officer as substantial evidence.
