A British rapper and a Russian dancer have been detained in Dubai after 17 kilograms of cannabis were allegedly discovered in a suitcase on a flight from Bangkok. The pair were arrested by UAE authorities after arriving from Thailand earlier this month.
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Russian national Karina Zorina, 29, claimed she had been set up by the British musician, who is reported to be in his 30s. According to reports, the rapper was initially released on bail before being rearrested after Zorina told investigators the suitcase had been checked in under her name without her approval.
Zorina had reportedly been living and working in Phuket at the Moulin Rouge nightclub, which is known for employing Russian and CIS dancers. She said she met the British rapper in Thailand and agreed to travel with him to Dubai for what she believed would be a two-day trip to renew her Thai visa.
Russian media reported that the rapper was travelling with another associate from Bangkok Airport and that the group swapped suitcases shortly before boarding the flight to Dubai. Zorina later told a friend she felt uneasy about the luggage switch but still boarded the plane.
When officials in Dubai inspected the luggage after arrival, they allegedly found sealed black packages containing cannabis. Both travellers were detained and questioned by authorities.
According to reports, the British rapper initially attempted to blame the Russian woman for the drugs. However, following Zorina’s testimony to investigators, authorities detained him again as the case widened. Russian media reported: “Zorina insists on taking a polygraph test with the rapper. She is sure that the rapper set her up.”
Her parents are reportedly waiting for airport CCTV footage, fingerprint analysis from the suitcase and additional forensic evidence which they believe could support her claims of innocence.
The case has drawn attention because of the United Arab Emirates’ strict anti-drugs laws. The UAE maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards recreational drugs, including cannabis products and CBD substances that may be legal in other countries.
Under UAE law, possession of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to lengthy prison sentences, deportation or more severe penalties. Smuggling and trafficking offences carry the harshest punishments, including the possibility of the death penalty in some circumstances.
The Sun reported that authorities in Dubai have not yet publicly announced formal charges against either suspect. The investigation is continuing, with forensic examinations and airport security evidence expected to play a key role in determining the outcome of the case.
Pictures courtesy of The Sun
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Adapted by ASEAN Now The-Sun 27 May 2026
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