vinny Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Briton jailed for four years in Dubai after customs find cannabis weighing less than a grain of sugar under his shoe Related: Tourists sentenced to four years in a Dubai jail for carrying specks of drugs Travellers who 'smuggle' poppy seeds face Dubai jail For a full list of substances banned in the UAE, click here. Charity issues urgent warning to all travellers to UAE after Briton is imprisoned for 4 years Tourists warned of UAE drug laws FCO 's Travel Advice by Country The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts of drugs, are severe. The possession and/or import of even the smallest amount of drugs can result in a minimum prison sentence of four years. The presence of drugs in the system is counted as possession.The UAE prohibits certain UK medicines from entering the country. You will not be permitted to take these in, even with a prescripton. Additionally, some over the counter medicines such as Codeine, are illegal in the UAE without a doctor's prescription. In some cases you will be allowed to take these medicines in providing they are in their original packaging and, in addition to the prescription, you provide a note from your GP outlining what the medicine is required for and what quantity is required for the duration of your stay. You should contact UAE Representation in the UK to ascertain which category your medication comes into. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxexile Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 the first two readers comments after the article in the first link are even more surprising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garro Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 the first two readers comments after the article in the first link are even more surprising. I don't think that Daily Mail readers tend to be the most compasionate people on the planet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the scouser Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 the first two readers comments after the article in the first link are even more surprising. The lack of a possessive apostrophe is even more surprising again. Scouse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caledonia Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 yikes !! I did see an episode in LAX airport once where a ricksack got pulled off by the sniffer dogs and they tore the thing apart - found nothing. They then explained the rucksack must have been in a room where cannabis was smoked - oh great - as a backpacker staying 30 to a room I am sure that doesn't happen often! The comments are something else though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endure Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 the first two readers comments after the article in the first link are even more surprising. Not really considering the newspaper the article comes from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstumbo Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 yikes !!I did see an episode in LAX airport once where a ricksack got pulled off by the sniffer dogs and they tore the thing apart - found nothing. They then explained the rucksack must have been in a room where cannabis was smoked - oh great - as a backpacker staying 30 to a room I am sure that doesn't happen often! The comments are something else though! Could you imagine a microscopic piece of cannabis being stuck to the outside of the bag and having the person put in jail for 4 years. it is just crazy. Like some of the other comments said, a large percentage of US money has trace amounts of cocaine on it. So if they checked your US dollars, they would throw you in jail. I guess another reason to avoid greenbacks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunnyd Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 They should feel luck they weren't beheaded or stoned to death. They don't mess around with criminals in the Middle East. Usually you end up missing body parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caledonia Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 They should feel luck they weren't beheaded or stoned to death. They don't mess around with criminals in the Middle East. Usually you end up missing body parts. Lucky - well thats depends if you thinkn having a piece of cannabis in the tred of your shoe is deliberate or not! I tend to think not! As for the poppy seeds - well I am sure I have 'smuggled' them a few times after a plane meal without realising it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tolley Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 A total joke really considering what the locals get up to and get away with. Don't expect any assistance from your local embassy as they are busy pursuing lucrative business deals and working out how to get the most out of their tax free benefits. 4 year prison sentences for microscopic amounts of pot....give me a break..... Dubai is the money washing capital of the world where Al Qadea channel their funds, the Russian mafia route their investments and drug cartels turn over their money. Much of the wealth is built on defacto slave labour and there is an alarming number of underage prostitutes sold as virgins to important locals. You don't need to scratch the surface too much to see the absolute hypocrisy of the system running there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naam Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 A total joke really considering what the locals get up to and get away with.Don't expect any assistance from your local embassy as they are busy pursuing lucrative business deals and working out how to get the most out of their tax free benefits. 4 year prison sentences for microscopic amounts of pot....give me a break..... Dubai is the money washing capital of the world where Al Qadea channel their funds, the Russian mafia route their investments and drug cartels turn over their money. Much of the wealth is built on defacto slave labour and there is an alarming number of underage prostitutes sold as virgins to important locals. You don't need to scratch the surface too much to see the absolute hypocrisy of the system running there. you forgot the aliens. everybody knows that Dubai is run by aliens from the Delta Quadrant. they are the same who released you recently after abducting you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david96 Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 From "The Age" newspaper , Melbourne Australia. Feb 2007. Tourists oblivious of UAE drugs laws jailed Western tourists oblivious to the severe drugs laws in the United Arab Emirates often end up in jail after arriving in the conservative Muslim country with tiny amounts of narcotics for their own use. But the UAE authorities do not deviate from their strict rules which stipulate imprisonment for a minimum of four years followed by deportation for those convicted of having drugs in their possession. People convicted of the more serious offence of drugs trafficking can face capital punishment, although executions rarely take place in the desert Gulf nation. With Dubai a favourite holiday spot, dozens of Westerners have been arrested upon arrival in recent years, according to a diplomatic source familiar with cases of people caught with small amounts of narcotics. One such visitor was British dance DJ Grooverider, who was arrested last November for possession of 2.16 grammes (0.076 ounces) of marijuana upon arrival in Dubai. He had been due to perform a club gig in the emirate, which is known as one of the party capitals in the Middle East. Grooverider was quoted in local press reports on January 28 as telling a court he had forgotten he had a small amount of the drug in his pocket. His case was adjourned until later this month. "There are over a million British tourists a year coming to the UAE," said Simon Goldsmith, spokesman at the British Embassy in Dubai. "We have a travel advice making it clear that the penalty is very severe" for drug possession. AFP tried unsuccessfully to get a comment from the office of Dubai's public prosecutor. Most Western countries warn their citizens about the consequences of drug possession in the UAE. In its travel report, the Canadian foreign ministry says that "even if used while outside of the UAE, (using drugs) can be punishable by law if traces of the substance are found in the blood or urine, and can also carry a minimum prison term of four years". In London the foreign office warns Britons travelling to the UAE that "the presence of drugs in the system is counted as possession," cautioning also that "the possession and/or import of even the smallest amount of drugs can result in a minimum prison sentence of four years". The US embassy adds that even having poppy seeds, which are used for cooking in some countries, could send their carrier to prison. But many people do not think to check travel warnings before setting off. In 2006, acclaimed US hip-hop music producer Dallas Austin was sentenced to four years in jail after he was found in possession of 1.26 grammes (0.04 ounces) of cocaine and other banned substances. But the 34-year-old composer, who had come to Dubai for a three-day birthday bash for British supermodel Naomi Campbell, was pardoned by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum immediately after sentence was pronounced. "Our experience is that authorities have a zero tolerance policy," Goldsmith said, adding that the British embassy can only help people arrested on drug charges by seeing them within 48 hours and providing them with a lawyer. A French consular source said that 19 French citizens have been arrested during the past 18 months at Dubai airport for possession of drugs, including four in one day on January 1. Eleven out of 12 jailed were pardoned after a few months while seven other cases are still being investigated, said the source who requested anonymity, adding that because of the increase in the number of cases investigating each one lasts about two months. After they have been convicted and sentenced, one hope left to Western offenders is that they will be included in one of the royal pardons usually issued during festive seasons. A Canadian benefited from one such pardon on the occasion of the Muslim Eid al-Adha feast last December. Bert Tatham, 35, was jailed for four years in Dubai in June after he was arrested during a stopover from Afghanistan, when customs officials found two poppy flowers in his luggage and 0.6 grammes (0.02 ounces) of hashish in his clothes. He was also charged with having traces of drugs in his urine. Also in June, a 24-year-old Italian tourist landed a four-year jail term followed by deportation after being found in possession of 0.01 grammes of hashish, which he said he had forgotten in a jacket pocket. AFP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstumbo Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 This latest article makes it sound like it is just a problem of people that were using drugs and had a little left over in their possesion. I think they do their readers a disservice because they do not warn that just a few poppy seeds from a muffin, or a microscopic bit stuck to the bottom of your shoe that could have come from anywhere will land you in jail for 4 years. Heck, even taking over the counter cold medicine with something to supress coughs, like Actifed will get you thrown in jail for 4 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pampal Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Do your homework before traveling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Boycott Dubai! This is probably one of the most insane things I have ever read. Poppy seeds? Is that a joke? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tolley Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 No joke.....and no chance of anything like a fair trial ...... Very easy to set people up with those kind of laws There was a British lady in prison for four years on possession on codeine which had been prescribed in the UK. There was a big fuss about it last year. I reiterate considering the things the locals get up to this is beyond the pale......i am in no hurry to ever go back to Dubai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstumbo Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 It is not even just prescribed medicines. It could be poppy seeds from a muffin. It could be an over the counter cold tablet. It could be some panadol ultras. It could be some microscopic bit of pot that you stepped on walking down Khao San Road. Knowing this now, I would never, ever, visit or transit through Dubai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanLaew Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 Boycott Dubai!This is probably one of the most insane things I have ever read. Poppy seeds? Is that a joke? Yeah! Screw DBX with it's over-rated airport, airlines, lifestyle, tourism and economy. Fly QR to DOH instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maigo6 Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 (edited) Insanity! Good point about Dollar Bills with traces of Cocaine on them....... Edited February 16, 2008 by Maigo6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiang mai Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 The Daily Mai you say, 0.0003 gms also, hmm, I reckon the story is a plant from BA to stop people from travel on cheaper fares via the Middle East or a complete bunch of rubbish dreamt up to increase readership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaytonSeymour Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 Do your homework before traveling Correct! IMO these cases are being spiced up by the press for their own agendas, not forgetting to mention that they are taking the word of the convicted afterall. I regularly visit and transit the UAE without trouble, as do thousands of others every day. I don't do drugs, I try not to frequent establishments where such activity takes place & I am aware of what medicines are not allowed in the UAE - perhaps that has something to do with it? I applaud their tough stance on narcotics and feel the UAE is better for it. The UK press would be better off advocating such measures in the UK rather than what we see here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deon Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 (edited) Clayton you dont do Drugs do you drink at all ?. I dont drink at all put i do smoke , and let me tell you this people who smoke .Get into less trouble than most folks who drink. The only trouble is from the unjust laws . I know some folks with ms and hiv And cannabis is the only6 thing that gives them a decent life , I guess you would like to see old folks in wheel chairs locked up then. You are sad sorry, if you think locking somone up for abit of pot is a good thing .Then you dont have a clue what you are talking about .I bet you dont even know why it was made Illegal in the first place let me tell you this it was not becouse of science.It was more to do with the usa Racist views on Blacks and Mexicans.ie Reefer maddness and some folks like you still belive it to lol. Edited February 20, 2008 by deon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deon Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 (edited) Some good news atlast , its good to see someone had some sense , and i dont mean the type you smoke lol . Dubai pardons Briton 'with cannabis on shoe' 43-year-old Briton arrested at Dubai airport with 0.003 grams of cannabis on shoe sole pardoned. DUBAI - A British man sentenced to four years in jail in the Gulf emirate of Dubai for having a tiny amount of cannabis stuck to his shoe has been pardoned, a newspaper reported on Tuesday. Andrew Brown was released early from prison in the Western-orientated emirate which is a popular destination for British tourists, the English language 7Days reported, without stating how much of the jail term he served.The 43-year-old was arrested in September at Dubai International Airport after customs officers found 0.003 grams (0.0001 ounces) of cannabis on the sole of one his shoes. The UAE imposes tough penalties for all drug-related offences. Four years is the usual sentence for possession while trafficking carries the death penalty. well i guess that makes you upset a c s lol . Edited February 28, 2008 by deon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunnyd Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Considering that pretty much all modern medications to treat manic-depressives and schizophrenics are on the list, what does U.A.E. plan on doing with the people they arrest after their anti-psychotics wear off? Think of a jail full of nutters off their meds bouncing off the walls, having command hallucinations with God talking to them. 374 medications? I guess if you have a head cold with a cough your just completely buggered. I have to agree with Jingthing to boycott Dubai. and the rest of the U.A.E. When I made the post earlier I as was making a generalized statement on Middle Eastern (in)justice, and I figured it was illicit narcotics they were clamping down on. Not almost every medication produced! God forbid you are a post menopausal woman on hormone replacement, you get the same punishment for having estrogen as heroine or cocaine. People need to speak in the only language they understand MONEY! And don't just consider their position on drugs. From the US State Department: Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks and non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), are regarded seriously in the UAE and can result in imprisonment and/or fines. Bail generally is not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud. Drinking or possession of alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and could result in arrest and/or fines and imprisonment. Alcohol is served at bars in most major hotels but is intended for guests of the hotel. Persons who are not guests of the hotel, and who consume alcohol in the restaurants and bars, technically are required to have their own personal liquor licenses. Liquor licenses are issued only to non-Muslim persons who possess UAE residency permits. Drinking and driving is considered a serious offense. Penalties generally are assessed according to religious law. While individuals are free to worship as they choose, and facilities are available for that purpose, religious proselytizing is not permitted in the UAE. Persons violating this law, even unknowingly, may be imprisoned or deported. The scary thing is that you get left to being judged by religious law. And how do you defend yourself if you get accused of UNKNOWINGLY proselytizing? Saying God bless to someone could qualify under that standard. GunnyD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMNightRider Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 It sounds like you are doing more than just smoking your bong. You are living in a country where it is illegal to smoke marijuana. You are having a bad dream if you think marijuana has any medicinal purpose. Marijuana is illegal because of "racist views"??? Clayton you dont do Drugs do you drink at all ?. I dont drink at all put i do smoke , and let me tell you this people who smoke .Get into less trouble than most folks who drink. The only trouble is from the unjust laws . I know some folks with ms and hiv And cannabis is the only6 thing that gives them a decent life , I guess you would like to see old folks in wheel chairs locked up then. You are sad sorry, if you think locking somone up for abit of pot is a good thing .Then you dont have a clue what you are talking about .I bet you dont even know why it was made Illegal in the first place let me tell you this it was not becouse of science.It was more to do with the usa Racist views on Blacks and Mexicans.ie Reefer maddness and some folks like you still belive it to lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thongkorn Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Its old news .3 years ago people where warned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7by7 Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Not Thailand related. Not Visa related. Closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png)
Recommended Posts