A Nigerian man, 35, and his 27-year-old Gambian wife have been sentenced to life in prison for attempting to smuggle over 4kg of marijuana into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The couple was caught during a routine customs inspection at Dubai International Airport on January 2, 2024. Authorities discovered the drugs hidden inside vehicle filters in the woman’s luggage, weighing a total of 4,290.86 grams.
The investigation revealed that the marijuana was intended for the Nigerian man, who was arrested while trying to collect the package from a Dubai cargo service. Although the couple initially denied any knowledge of the drugs, their defense was dismissed by the court. Evidence, including forensic reports and digital communications, tied them to the crime. Additionally, the couple’s use of cocaine and previous involvement in similar drug shipments last year further sealed their fate.
In addition to their life sentences, the couple was fined Dh500,000 each. If they are unable to pay the fine, they will serve an extra day in prison for every Dh100 owed. The drugs were also ordered to be destroyed.
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