Man imprisoned for using bank account to receive ‘drug money’

Mohammed Yaseen, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Criminal Court sentenced an Asian man to 3 years in prison and fined him Dhs100,000, to be followed by deportation for obtaining money from trafficking in drugs and psychotropic substances via his bank account. It also ordered confiscation of the entire balance in his bank account.

In the case that dated back to May last year, reliable information confirmed that the convict was a party to a gang involved in drug smuggling and peddling within the country via WhatsApp messages.

According to a report issued by the Anti-Money Laundering Department of the Federal Anti-Narcotics General Administration on the activity of the convict’s bank account, it was found that Dhs69,000 had been deposited in his account within 8 days through 96 deposits via ATMs.

A police officer testified that a competent team at the Anti-Narcotics Department was able to verify the information received about the convict, who was part of a gang of several parties, with roles distributed among them. The convict’s role was to use his bank account for drug abusers to deposit the value of the drugs they obtain, the officer added.

He explained that the convict was arrested at Dubai Airport, as he denied his connection to the crime of trafficking in narcotic substances, while admitting that he opened a bank account at the request of Asians residing outside the country to use it, in exchange for his home rent and personal expenses. The Court convicted him and issued the aforementioned judgment.

A recent report says Dubai Customs plays a vital role and goes to great lengths to ensure the safety and security of the community against the dangers of smuggling prohibited and illicit items.

These pose a threat to both individuals and the economy. Serving as the primary line of defence, Dubai Customs officers and inspectors, equipped with accumulated and leading experiences, remain vigilant in protecting the community, particularly amidst the rising influx of passengers into the UAE via Dubai airports.

Recent statistics from Dubai Customs reveal successful interventions in numerous attempts to smuggle various prohibited substances through Dubai Airports.

From the beginning of the year until the end of September 2023, Dubai Customs carried out 783 diverse seizures at Dubai airports, including 540 cases related to drug offences.

Dubai Customs is dedicated to keeping up with global advancements in inspection and examination devices.  The department has outfitted its customs centres with cutting-edge devices, including advanced X-ray machines for detecting concealed items, such as drugs, within the human body.