My brother was arrested in a car for possession of only 2g of drugs. What is the maximum penalty he could face?

Dear Inquirer,

Drug-related cases in the UAE are very serious, and the penalties can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, deportation, even for first-time offenders.

The exact outcome depends on the details of the case, the type and amount of substance involved, and how the charges are framed by the prosecution.

To properly assess your brother’s situation and provide a clear legal strategy, we recommend booking a consultation or appointing our office to represent him before the court. You can schedule an appointment through our website.

Best regards

Hello,

I am sorry to hear about your brother's situation.

In the UAE, even possession of small amounts of drugs, such as 2 grams, is considered a serious offense.

For first-time offenders, the penalties may include a minimum of three months to six months imprisonment or fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000, depending on the circumstances and the exact charges.

Since your brother is a first-time offender and denies possession as well as the accusation of helping a friend, it's important to present all evidence and seek legal representation to mitigate the charges.

The maximum penalties can be severe, but courts often consider the defendant's history and the facts of the case.

Please let me know if you want assistance finding a lawyer or guidance on how to proceed.

According to the (Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances), possession or using drugs or narcotics and psychotropics substances up to 20 grams is a serious crime even if the amount is only 2 gs, punishable by imprisonment and fine, and followed by deportation if the offender is an expat.

Being a first-time offender, the court may use its discretionary power when deciding the appropriate penalty if he is found guilty, and admitting to a rehabilitation facility is also possible according to the law.

My advice is to seek a defense lawyer to handle the criminal proceedings. The qualified team of our office will be ready to support you, just share your contact details.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for reaching out.

I understand how stressful this situation must be for you and your family.

In the UAE, drug-related offences are treated seriously, but there are important distinctions between possession for personal use, usage, and intent to distribute or assist others.

Since your brother is a first-time offender and the case relates to a very small quantity, the courts often consider lighter punishments such as rehabilitation, fines, or deportation instead of lengthy imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and proper legal defence.

The allegation of “helping another person to use” is also an offence under UAE laws, but it requires strong evidence, and from what you explained, there may be grounds to challenge this charge.

What matters most at this stage is to act quickly to ensure that his rights are protected, to review the investigation file, and to prepare the best possible defence so that the matter can be argued for the least penalty available under the law.

I can assist you by reviewing the case details, meeting with the prosecution and court, and working towards securing the most favourable outcome for your brother.

Please contact me directly on call or WhatsApp so we can discuss the case in detail and start immediate steps to protect him.

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of your situation.

- Cases involving drug possession and alleged facilitation of use are treated very seriously under UAE law, even if the quantities are small or the accused is a first-time offender.

- For possession and personal use of drugs, the law provides for penalties that can include imprisonment, fines, and deportation (if the accused is a foreign national).

- Assisting or facilitating another person to use drugs is considered a separate offence, and the Public Prosecution will assess whether there is sufficient evidence to prove this charge.

Our criminal defense team can:

- Review the investigation file and charges to identify weaknesses in the evidence.

- Argue for the application of leniency measures available for first-time offenders.

- Represent your brother before the Public Prosecution and courts to protect his rights and mitigate the potential sentence.

We recommend booking a confidential consultation to review the charge sheet and case documents and to advise you on the best defense strategy.

NJA | Jasim Alhaddad Advocates & Legal Consultants