AL AIN // A man has been sentenced to life in prison for possessing drugs with the intent to distribute. The man, a GCC national identified as AS, was arrested after the city's anti-narcotics task force received a tip he was dealing cannabis. Plain-clothes officers made contact with the suspect posing as potential buyers and arranged to purchase drugs that were to be delivered at a later date.
AS was arrested when he met the officers to deliver the drugs, which he had in his possession. An unlicensed weapon and ammunition were then discovered during a search of his home. AS was sentenced at the Al Ain Criminal Court. As well as the life sentence, a term of 25 years under UAE law, he is to serve an extra month for returning to the UAE despite a previous deportation, and another month for having an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department said the life sentence should act as a deterrent to anyone who threatened the stability of the country and its citizens by dealing drugs or possessing weapons. It said the UAE's efforts to battle drug dealers had foiled many other drug-trafficking operations and reduced drug use. The department added that the anti-drug squad, with the co-operation of the public prosecution, rewards those who provide tips to the police. The practice has led to the seizure of a large quantity of drugs and the arrest of a number of dealers.
ealghalib@thenational.ae
