Court Jails Man for Enabling Drug Money Transfers Through Bank Account

A Dubai court has sentenced an Asian man to three years in prison, fined him Dh100,000 and ordered his deportation after finding him guilty of allowing his bank account to be used to receive proceeds linked to drug trafficking.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the full balance in his account and imposed a two-year ban on transferring or depositing money on behalf of others -- directly or through intermediaries -- without prior clearance from the UAE Central Bank in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.

According to case records, Dubai’s General Department of Anti-Narcotics received credible intelligence that four Asian men were consuming and storing drugs at a residence in Bur Dubai. Acting on a prosecution warrant, officers carried out a raid, uncovering a packet of heroin, a precision scale and tools used for drug distribution. More quantities were later found in one suspect’s vehicle.

During questioning, one suspect admitted obtaining the drugs from an Asian supplier, while another confessed that the proceeds were deposited into a UAE-based bank account. He further acknowledged using drugs. Investigators traced the account to the defendant, who claimed he had merely lent his bank card to someone “as a favour” and denied knowing it was being used to handle drug money.

The court rejected his defence, holding him responsible for the illicit funds and for enabling the misuse of his account. Convicted of possession and benefiting from drug-related proceeds, his case reflects the UAE’s firm stance against financial facilitation of narcotics crimes.

The ruling delivers a clear warning: anyone who aids or enables illegal activities -- even indirectly—will face severe legal consequences as the UAE continues tightening controls on both the supply chains and financial channels behind drug offences.

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