An Arab man, initially facing serious charges of drug possession, was spared a lengthy prison sentence and deportation after his lawyer successfully downgraded his charges. The defendant was fined Dh10,000 by the Dubai Criminal Court for bringing and possessing mind-altering substances for personal use.
The incident occurred in June 2023 when the man arrived at Dubai International Airport and was found with 24 e-cigarettes containing cannabis-infused oil and 19-and-a-half amphetamine pills. Prosecutors had requested the strictest penalties, including up to 10 years in prison.
However, the defendant’s lawyer, Massouma Al Sayegh, argued that the forensic lab was unable to determine the exact weight of the illegal substances. The court eventually downgraded the charges, clearing the man of bringing cannabis but imposing a fine for the amphetamine possession.
The Dubai Appeal Court later upheld the ruling, with additional restrictions preventing the defendant from conducting financial transactions without approval for two years.