Court upholds verdict on man who entered UAE after consuming hashish

Aya Al Deeb, Staff Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation upheld an appeal sentencing an Arab national to a fine of Dhs10,000 and deportation, after the suspect was charged with consuming hashish outside the UAE.

The court ruled that UAE courts do not have jurisdiction to consider the drug abuse charge out of the UAE.

Details of the case date back to an earlier time when the authorities arrested the suspect upon entering the UAE through Abu Dhabi airport, and the Public Prosecution charged him with hashish consumption.

The Misdemeanours court sentenced him to two years in jail to be followed by deportation, and paying the case fees.

The suspect appealed the verdict and the Appellate Court ruled that the suspect be fined Dhs10,000 and defray the case fees.