Dubai Court Jails Expat for 10 Years, Orders Deportation in Drug Case
Dh100,000 fine imposed as court rejects claim narcotics were planted in suitcase by third party.
Staff WriterFeb 2, 2026, 12:00 PMA European expatriate has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, fined Dh100,000, and ordered to be deported after completing his sentence, after a Dubai court convicted him of importing narcotic substances into the UAE.
According to Dubai Criminal Court records, the man was intercepted by authorities on arrival in the emirate, where prohibited substances were found concealed inside his suitcase. During questioning, the defendant denied intentional wrongdoing, claiming the drugs had been placed in his luggage by his girlfriend, who resides with him in an Asian country.
He told investigators that his girlfriend packed the suitcase believing he was travelling domestically within the same country, where drug consumption is not criminalised, and was unaware he was travelling abroad. The defendant further claimed he had no knowledge that narcotics were inside his luggage.
Prosecutors dismissed the defence, stressing that passengers are legally responsible for the contents of their bags, particularly when entering the UAE, which enforces strict laws on narcotics. They argued that the explanation did not negate criminal liability and that the evidence showed the defendant knowingly transported illegal substances.
During the trial, the court examined the seized drugs, inspection reports, and statements recorded during the investigation. The prosecution maintained that the presence of narcotics in personal luggage constituted clear possession and importation, regardless of alleged third-party involvement.
The court found the defendant’s account lacked credibility and ruled that he bore full responsibility for the contents of his suitcase. It concluded that the offence of importing narcotic substances was proven beyond doubt and warranted a severe penalty in line with the gravity of the crime.
The defendant appealed the ruling, but the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and sentence, confirming that the trial court had correctly applied the law and assessed the evidence.
The case reinforces the UAE’s zero-tolerance approach to drug-related offences and underscores the courts’ consistent position that travellers are fully accountable for what they carry across the country’s borders.
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