United Arab Emirates to ease drug sanctions

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to relax the sanctions imposed on travelers arriving in the country with products containing THC, opting for product confiscation rather than incarceration, reports l’Associated Press. The reforms were published on Sunday in the Official Gazette of the United Arab Emirates and come into force on January 2.

The new rules also reduce minimum sentences for first-time offenders from two years to three months, and offer convicts rehabilitation in a separate detention center from other prisoners. The new law also leaves it up to the judge to decide whether or not to deport foreigners caught with drugs, rather than automatically deporting them.

In an editorial, local AFP described the reforms as part of the «biggest change to UAE laws in history», which was triggered by the 50th anniversary of the country's founding.

«It's important to place these developments in a broader context: last year was marked by an avalanche of reforms. In November last year, new laws decriminalized suicide, amended regulations on alcohol consumption and strengthened women's rights, among others.» reads.

Criminal justice reforms call for a minimum of 6 months' imprisonment for repeat offenders within 3 years, and a minimum of 2 years for third-time offenders.

Ahmed Ibrahim Saif, Senior Judge at Dubai Civil Court and former Chief Judge of Dubai Criminal Courts, told The National that the changes reflect the priority given to reform and are in line with UAE principles.

«Offenders are offered a second chance and spared the loss of their future and their lives in the country,» he said.

The prison sentence for drug trafficking - a minimum of five years - remains in place.