Two men were sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of smuggling a large quantity of controlled substances into Dubai.
The case began on March 29 this year, when customs officials at Dubai Airport flagged a suspicious shipment arriving from India.
Discovery of the Shipment
The shipment contained four cartons and was flagged during a routine check by a senior customs inspector. Following standard procedures, the cartons underwent an X-ray scan and manual inspection. Authorities discovered 148,380 capsules of Nervigesic, weighing a total of 71.52 kilograms of Pregabalin, a psychotropic substance strictly regulated under UAE law.
Dubai Police’s General Department of Anti-Narcotics was immediately notified to investigate further.
Investigation and Arrests
During questioning, a shipping company representative a resident of Indian nationality stated that he was instructed to clear the shipment by one of the accused, also an Indian national.
Further investigations revealed the Indian defendant coordinated with a Pakistani national, who arranged for the shipment from overseas.
When summoned, the Pakistani defendant admitted his involvement. Evidence uncovered included communication between the two, discussing the shipment and its clearance process.
Court Proceedings
Both defendants were charged with smuggling and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. Although the two denied the charges, the court found sufficient evidence to convict them.
The shipping company representative was found to have acted in good faith, unaware of the shipment’s illegal contents. He was subsequently acquitted.
The court sentenced the convicted defendants to:
- Life imprisonment
- A Dh200,000 fine
- Deportation after completing their sentences
Additionally, the court banned the convicted individuals from transferring or depositing funds for two years without prior approval from the UAE Central Bank and Ministry of Interior.
Appeal Hearing Scheduled
The verdict has been appealed, with the first hearing at the Dubai Court of Appeal scheduled for January 15.
