The Dubai Court of Appeal has cleared a 35-year-old Filipina of drug smuggling charges, overturning a heavy prison term and fine that were initially imposed on her earlier this year, Gulf News reported.
In its final ruling, delivered in open court, the appellate judges declared: “The court rules in the presence of the appellant, accepting the appeal in form and in substance, annulling the contested judgment, and ruling anew to acquit the appellant — of all charges brought against her, and to confiscate the seized narcotic substance.”
The case dates back to December 15, 2024, when Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 customs officials discovered 20 vape cartridges containing cannabis extract concealed in pancake mix packs inside her luggage. Forensic tests confirmed the banned substance, weighing 20 grams.
In March 2025, the Dubai Criminal Court sentenced her to 10 years in jail, fined her Dh100,000, and ordered deportation upon completion of the term. The court dismissed her claims of ignorance at the time, ruling that possession and importation had been established beyond doubt.
Her defense team, however, appealed the conviction, pointing to her clean record, absence of criminal intent, and family ties in the UAE. They also stressed that she was a first-time offender and that the substance quantity did not suggest trafficking.
After a thorough review of the case file and fresh arguments, the Court of Appeal determined that there was no conclusive proof she knowingly imported or possessed the narcotics. While the confiscated items remain seized, her conviction was struck down, effectively clearing her name.
