Student sentenced to 10 years for smuggling marijuana

Defendant, 21, denied knowing he was bringing drugs into the country

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A student convicted of smuggling more than 5kgs of marijuana into Dubai has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The defendant, aged 21, denied knowing he was bringing drugs into the country and broke down during a hearing at Dubai Criminal Court.

“I am not guilty because I had no idea I was carrying something which was banned,” he told the courtroom.

“I didn't even see what I was carrying. I was asked by an acquaintance to bring the bag to his friend living in Dubai, but had no idea what was inside.”

Court records show that the Indian national arrived at Dubai International Airport on March 5 this year.

After a scan of his luggage revealed three unusual cylinder-shaped objects, custom inspectors took the decision to conduct a search of his belongings by hand. Officers then found 5.4kg of marijuana wrapped up tightly in a plastic bag.

In addition to his jail term, the defendant was fined Dh50,000 and will be deported after serving his sentence.