Dubai Court Hands Life Sentence to Drug Dealer Caught in Police Sting

A 28-year-old Asian man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Dubai Criminal Court after being caught selling narcotics during a carefully planned undercover police operation. The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized drugs and ruled that the defendant be deported after serving his sentence.

The case dates back to April, when the General Department of Anti-Narcotics received intelligence indicating that an Asian man was in possession of illegal drugs intended for sale in a Dubai neighbourhood. Acting on the tip-off, police officers arranged a controlled sting, posing as buyers to intercept the suspect during the transaction.

According to an investigating officer, the accused was arrested at the scene while receiving Dh200 in exchange for the drugs. A search led to the discovery of three plastic bags containing a total of 24 grams of a white crystalline substance, later identified as methamphetamine, a banned narcotic under UAE law. Laboratory analysis also confirmed that the defendant was a drug user.

During questioning, the accused admitted to consuming narcotics and said he had purchased the drugs from another Asian dealer whose identity he did not know. He told investigators that he intended to sell part of the substance to a third party, only realising too late that the buyer was an undercover police officer.

After examining the evidence, the Dubai Criminal Court highlighted the seriousness of the offence, citing the defendant’s intent to distribute drugs, the quantity involved and his personal use of narcotics. The court ruled that these factors justified a life sentence, along with the confiscation of the drugs and mandatory deportation upon completion of the prison term, in accordance with UAE law.

Authorities said the case underlines the UAE’s strict approach to drug offences and the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in dismantling narcotics activity. The General Department of Anti-Narcotics continues to conduct proactive investigations to disrupt drug trafficking and protect public safety.

Officials added that the ruling serves as a strong warning that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and will take decisive action against anyone involved in the sale or distribution of illegal substances.

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