The UAE has amended its federal law on narcotics, introducing stricter penalties including imprisonment, fines and mandatory deportation. Under the revised law, offenders will face a minimum of five years in prison, a fine of 50,000 dirhams, and deportation. The amendments aim to strengthen public protection, uphold justice and enhance efforts to eliminate drug abuse. Foreign nationals convicted in drug-related cases will be deported after completing their sentence.
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Even if the offender is a spouse, parent, son, daughter or close relative of a UAE citizen at the time the crime was committed, the court may grant an exemption from deportation if it is proven that it would severely disrupt family life or cause serious hardship to their dependants.
Those who supply controlled drugs without a doctor’s prescription, or in quantities exceeding medical limits, will face a minimum of five years in jail and a fine of 50,000 dirhams. Penalties have also been increased for illegal possession, distribution and sale of narcotics. Doctors who issue prescriptions for controlled drugs without valid medical justification will face similar punishments.
The government has authorised public and private health institutions to establish specialised units for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts. Previously, individuals convicted in drug cases could continue living in the UAE after serving their sentence, but under the new law deportation is mandatory. Those deported from the UAE will also be barred from entering other GCC countries, including Kuwait.
Possession or use of controlled medicines without a valid prescription will be treated as a serious criminal offence. Authorities also revealed that more than 2,000 websites involved in drug trafficking have been blocked in the UAE.
The newly established Emirates Drug Establishment will oversee the regulation of narcotics and related products, while the National Anti-Narcotics Authority will lead the country’s anti-drug initiatives.
