A Nigerian man, 35, and his 27-year-old Gambian wife have been sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Dh500,000 each for attempting to smuggle 4.2kg of marijuana into the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The couple was arrested on January 2, 2024, at Dubai International Airport after customs officers noticed irregularities during a routine inspection of the woman’s luggage. Upon closer examination, authorities discovered 4,290.86 grams of marijuana concealed within several vehicle filters.
Further investigations led to the arrest of the Nigerian man in Dubai’s Naif area while attempting to collect the shipment through a cargo service.
During their trial, the Dubai Criminal Court reviewed forensic evidence, digital communication linking the suspects to the shipment, and testimonies from customs officials. Although the couple initially denied any knowledge of the drugs, their defense was dismissed.
The court noted their prior involvement in similar drug shipments in August and November of the previous year, along with evidence of cocaine use, which weakened their claims of ignorance.
On November 28, the court convicted them of drug smuggling, sentencing them to life imprisonment, followed by deportation. They were also fined Dh500,000 each, with an additional day in prison for every Dh100 of unpaid fines.
The confiscated drugs were ordered to be destroyed. This case highlights the UAE’s stringent stance on drug-related offenses and its commitment to curbing smuggling activities.