Dr. Elhais, with his vast legal expertise spanning family, arbitration, banking, commercial, company, criminal, inheritance, labour, and maritime law, is dedicated to providing top-tier legal solutions.
As an integral member of the team at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy in Dubai, he contributes to the firm's mission of delivering comprehensive legal counsel across the UAE. The team, as a whole, is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion.
Initially making his mark in criminal and public law, Dr. Hassan made the decision to move to Dubai in 2006, marking a significant step in his legal career. Since joining Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, he has been an active contributor to the firm's growth and reputation. Dr. Hassan is known for his dedication to transparency in legal dealings and fee structures, a reflection of his solid ethical values.
My brother is a foreigner who has been arrested in the UAE for carrying a significant amount of marijuana into the country. What should I anticipate as punishment for his offence?
Question: My brother is a foreigner who has
been arrested in the UAE for carrying a significant amount of
marijuana into the country. What should I anticipate as punishment
for his offence?
Answer: Marijuana possession is illegal under
UAE Law No 14 of 1995 and its amendments. The Anti-Narcotic
Psychotropic Substances Law states that it should not be
"brought, imported, exported, made, extracted, separated,
produced, possessed or taken, and all other activities and
connections thereof may not be performed". If, as you say, the
amount of the drug is significant, it can be surmised that it is
not for personal use but for selling, and this means that the
punishment is greater. Article No 46 of the Anti-Narcotic
Psychotropic Substances Law says that "the penalty of
imprisonment for a period of not less than 10 years and not more
than 15 years and a fine of not less than Dh20,000 shall be imposed
on any person who has managed, prepared or set up a place for the
abuse of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances". On top of
this, it is very likely that his sentence will include deportation
as well.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
