A married couple has been sentenced to life in prison and fined Dh500,000 each for attempting to smuggle 4.2kg of marijuana into the UAE. The 27-year-old Gambian woman and her 35-year-old Nigerian husband were arrested at Dubai International Airport on January 2, 2024, after a routine customs inspection.
Customs officers became suspicious of the woman’s luggage, which appeared unusually dense. Upon further inspection, they discovered 4,290.86 grams of marijuana hidden inside vehicle filters. The woman was immediately detained for questioning.
Investigations revealed that the marijuana was intended for her husband, who was arrested later while attempting to collect the package from a cargo service in Dubai’s Naif area.
During the trial, the court considered various pieces of evidence, including forensic reports, digital communications linking the Nigerian man to the shipment, and witness testimonies from customs officials. Although the couple initially denied knowing about the drugs, their defense was dismissed by the court. Their argument was undermined by the fact that both individuals tested positive for cocaine, making their claims of ignorance implausible.
The court also learned of their involvement in previous drug shipments in August and November 2023. Digital communications provided further evidence of their intent to smuggle drugs.
On November 28, the Dubai Criminal Court convicted the couple of drug smuggling, sentencing them to life imprisonment followed by deportation. Additionally, they were each fined Dh500,000. If they fail to pay the fine, they will serve an extra day in prison for every Dh100 owed.
The drugs were ordered to be destroyed.
