Couple Sentenced to Life, Fined Dh1 Million for Drug Smuggling
A married couple has been sentenced to life in prison and fined Dh500,000 each for attempting to smuggle 4.2 kg of marijuana into the UAE. In addition to the prison sentences and fines, the Dubai Criminal Court ordered the destruction of the confiscated narcotics.
The case, which emerged after joint investigations, involved a 27-year-old Gambian woman and a 35-year-old Nigerian man. On January 2, 2024, during a routine customs inspection at Dubai International Airport, the woman was arrested after officials noticed an unusual density in her baggage. Upon further investigation, authorities discovered 4,290.86 grams of marijuana hidden inside several vehicle filters.
According to Khaleej Times, further inquiries led to the arrest of the Nigerian man, who was found attempting to retrieve the drugs from a freight service in Dubai’s Naif neighborhood. His arrest followed the woman’s, as authorities pieced together his role in the smuggling operation.
The trial presented compelling evidence against the couple, including forensic tests, digital communications, and witness testimony from customs officials. The prosecution argued that the marijuana was imported with the intent to distribute, citing advanced smuggling techniques and prior correspondence between the couple. Despite their initial claims of ignorance regarding the contents of the cargo, the court dismissed their defense, pointing to inconsistencies in their statements and evidence that contradicted their assertions. Moreover, both defendants were found to have used cocaine, suggesting they were well-aware of illegal drugs and weakening their claims of ignorance.
Further digital evidence, such as texts and transaction records, highlighted their involvement in the smuggling operation. The couple had also been linked to earlier drug shipments in August and November 2023. Following the court’s verdict on November 28, 2024, both were sentenced to life imprisonment, with a mandate for deportation upon completion of their sentences, in accordance with the UAE’s strict anti-drug trafficking laws.
This case underscores Dubai’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes. The court’s harsh sentencing serves as a warning to others considering similar offenses, reinforcing the importance of customs inspections in preventing the illegal flow of drugs. The destruction of the seized drugs marks the final step in ensuring that these substances never reach the public.
The conviction highlights the UAE’s unwavering commitment to fighting drug trafficking at all levels, from personal use to large-scale smuggling operations. Law enforcement continues to collaborate with customs and other agencies to strengthen the country’s policies against such crimes.
This case reflects Dubai’s dedication to maintaining public safety and security, with life sentences, heavy fines, and deportation orders demonstrating the seriousness with which drug-related offenses are treated. The destruction of the seized narcotics further symbolizes the authorities’ determination to protect society from the harmful effects of drug trafficking.
