Federal Decree-Law No. 30/2021, commonly called the UAE Drugs Law is very specific when it comes to narcotic substances, and dubai punishment for drugs case violations related to possession using or trafficking them are notoriously harsh. Fixed directly penalized for offenders, the law then fully lists narcotic substances by scheduling them based on their respective potential to pose harm and abuse.

This article outlines the UAE Drugs Law and highlights the legal consequences individuals face when caught carrying narcotic substances in the country, with insights from Khairallah Law Firm.

dubai punishment for drugs

Dubai punishment for drugs 2024: Penalties for Drug Possession

Under the UAE Drugs Law, possessing, abusing, or personally using certain substances results in severe legal consequences.

For first-time offenders (Article 41), individuals caught abusing, possessing, or using substances listed in Schedules 1, 2, and 5, or any prohibited plants in Schedule 4, will face a minimum penalty of three months imprisonment or a fine ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000.

A minimum of 6 months imprisonment and fines between AED 30,000 to AED1000 for reoffending within three years after the first offense.

A third instance of driving while intoxicated can send an offender to prison for a minimum of two years and they face fines of no less than AED 100,000.

In other details, Article 42 anyone who abuses or personally consumes the substances mentioned in Item number (29) of Schedule I and Plants specified in item number (8 from Part II) of Schedule IV shall be punished with imprisonment for a minimum period of at least three months or by fine starting from AED ten thousand up to hundred thousand.

Article 43: It punishes an offender who abuses or uses in anger any of the substances listed in Schedules 3,6,7 and without medical prescription with three months imprisonment or a fine ranging from AED20.000 to AED100.000

Article 44, also deals with undetermined substances. ✓ Those that result in sedation or mental injury may still constitute offenses, despite the absence of explicit reference to substances within the New Drugs Law. Offenders may face up to six months imprisonment or fines between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000.

First-time offenders will also be eligible for rehabilitation treatment in accordance with Article 45 of the UAE Drugs Law rather than being sentenced to a prison term

Measures to Prevent Medical Abuse of Prohibited Substances

Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs: The UAE prohibits medical abuse of narcotic/psychotropic drugs under Articles 34 &37, Narcotics Law. Those sanctions provide extraction that a pharmacy may only dispense narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in case of prescription (the prescription is provided by the licensed treating physician/veterinarian within UAE for narcotic drugs). Pharmacies receive fewer of these drugs than prescribed or not at all if the percentage prescribed exceeds that specified in Schedule 9 to Narcotic Law.

A pharmacy manager shall keep a record of the medical prescriptions for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances indicating at least the date of dispensing and serial number. In addition, the law bans rewriting prescriptions for opioids multiple times adding that if so is done violations may result in dubai punishment for drugs cases 2024 and may escalate into a criminal case in UAE.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Use in the UAE?

Drug abuse penalties in the UAE vary, including imprisonment from trial detention up to life sentencing and fines ranging between 20,000-40,000 Dirhams as well as compulsory rehabilitation periods. There is a substantial period of imprisonment for those caught in possession or consuming illegal drugs; months and sometimes years, depending on the substance, and its quantity. Punishment for Drug Case in UAE 2024

What Is the Jail Time for Drug Offenses in Dubai?

Under Article 44 and accourding to dubai punishment for drugs, even substances not explicitly listed in the New Drugs Law can result in penalties if they cause sedation or mental harm. Offenders may face imprisonment of up to six months or fines ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000.

What Are the Consequences of Testing Positive for Drugs in Dubai?

Detecting the presence of illegal drugs in blood or urine tests counts as possession. Consequently, individuals can face prosecution, fines, and potential imprisonment for being under the influence of illegal drugs, whether tested under suspicion or randomly.

dubai punishment for drugs

Conclusion

To sum up, UAE Drugs Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 30/2021) governs very robust penalties for drug crimes and upholds heavy fines alongside an imprisonment term for a considerable duration, especially in cases of recidivism. The law prohibits per se possession, use, and trafficking of illicit drugs even if the particular drug is not listed. The laws are meant to combat medical abuse through the proper prescription of opioids. In general, this approach underlines the UAE’s strong stance against substance abuse to protect society with counsel available from Khairallah Law Firm or other criminal lawyers in Dubai.

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*Disclaimer: our blogs, law updates and FAQ’s are freely distributed for educational purposes and to showcase recent updates and regulations in the UAE’s framework.

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