In a landmark ruling, the Dubai Criminal Court has sentenced an Arab national to life imprisonment for trafficking and using marijuana and other narcotic substances. The court also ordered his deportation from the UAE upon completion of his sentence. The case, which unfolded in April this year, began when the General Directorate of Narcotics Control received credible intelligence about the accused’s involvement in drug sales. An undercover sting operation led to his arrest as he was caught red-handed exchanging marijuana for cash. Forensic analysis confirmed that the seized substance was 61 grams of marijuana. During the investigation, authorities raided the defendant’s shared apartment in Al Satwa, where two other men were residing. However, the court acquitted these individuals due to insufficient evidence linking them to the illegal activities. The main accused admitted to possessing the drugs but claimed they were for personal use, a defense the court dismissed based on forensic evidence of multiple narcotic substances in his urine sample. The court concluded that the evidence pointed to intent to traffic rather than mere consumption. This case underscores Dubai’s stringent zero-tolerance policy toward drug offenses, with severe penalties including life imprisonment or capital punishment for trafficking or promoting narcotics.