UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: FOUR ASIANS SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

June 20, 2023:

The Grand Criminal Court at the Federal Primary Court in Abu Dhabi issued a unanimous verdict to execute 4 defendants of Asian nationalities after convicting them of charges related to the importation and trafficking of drugs, Emirates 24|7 reported on June 19, 2023. The fifth defendant was sentenced to one year in prison, while the remaining 3 defendants were acquitted of the charges against them.
The incident dates back to when a maritime patrol affiliated with the state suspected a speedboat, and as the patrol approached, the individuals on board fled towards one of the state's beaches. They jumped out of the boat and attempted to hide from sight inside under-construction buildings near the beach.
During the search of the speedboat, a security officer discovered 10 cloth bags and 4 black bags containing substances that were confirmed by laboratory testing to be drugs, including hashish, heroin, methadone, opium, amphetamines, pregabalin, and tramadol.
At the same time, a local vehicle parked in the same location was also found.
The Criminal Evidence Department took charge of lifting fingerprints, which led to the identification and location of the 4 defendants. The relevant authorities, in cooperation with their confidential sources, apprehended the suspects and referred them to the Public Prosecution, and subsequently to the competent court.