An Indian visitor was saved from deportation and a hefty Dh1-million fine after explaining in court that the 260 pregabalin capsules he was accused of smuggling were for his sick parents.
Initially convicted of smuggling and possessing psychotropic substances, the Dubai Appeal Court reviewed his argument and issued a lenient punishment. Instead of the Dh1 million fine proposed by prosecutors, the court ordered the visitor to pay a Dh5,000 fine, and no deportation was ordered.
Court Argument and Lawyer’s Defense
The visitor’s lawyer, Hani Hammouda Hagag, argued that his client had no criminal intent and brought the medications to treat his sick parents, who have been living in the UAE since the 1970s.
Hagag told the court, “My client did not smuggle or possess the seized capsules for personal use. He brought them as medication for his parents, who are listed as patients under Dubai’s health authorities and have prescriptions for these pills to treat their illnesses.”
The lawyer presented medical proof and prescriptions to back his claims that the pills were for his parents’ treatment.
Hagag also pointed out that when his client presented the prescriptions and written permission to bring the pills, the customs officer didn’t thoroughly check the documents.
The defendant was arrested in June upon arrival at Dubai airport, where the 260 pills were confiscated.
Legal Charges and Court Ruling
Prosecutors charged the defendant with smuggling and possessing nearly 70g of mind-altering substances. Initially found guilty in the Dubai Misdemeanours Court, the defendant was fined Dh5,000 after the judge showed leniency.
The defendant appealed the verdict, seeking to clear his name, while Dubai prosecutors also appealed, demanding a higher fine of Dh1 million to serve as a lesson for others.
Hagag again stressed that his client had no criminal intent, presenting medical reports and prescriptions as evidence that the pills were for his parents, who suffer from chronic illnesses such as kidney failure and high blood pressure.
“The defendant doesn’t live in the UAE. He came on a visit and brought the medications for his parents after obtaining written authorization from health authorities,” Hagag explained.
The appeal court dismissed the prosecutor’s appeal, maintaining the Dh5,000 fine and refusing to add a deportation order.
After the ruling, the defendant returned to India, having avoided a deportation order and a massive fine.
