Criminal Law: Restricted Drugs And Medications In The Uae

By Author: Hassan Elhais
Total Articles: 59
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UAE has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and medications. To control illegal drugs, the Gulf region follows a strict legislation and there are criminal penalties for use, possession, consumption and trafficking of illegal drugs. A death penalty is also one serious punishment some may face; however, the minimum punishment one has to serve is four years imprisonment. In the UAE, the pharmacy federal law no. 4 of 1983 and Narcotic Law 14 of 1995 govern the import of medications. Travelers entering the Gulf country have to seek permission from Registration and Drug Control Department MOH before carrying any personal medications. If you're carrying these medications, an inspection is carried out by the Ministry of Health Inspectors and Customs Department.

Law regarding personal import of drugs and medications in UAE

When it comes to Narcotic medicines and substances, the law in UAE is very stringent. Narcotic medicines are controlled by the Ministry of health and the International Narcotic Controlled Board. As a traveler, you will be allowed to take the medication for just one month that too if you've ...
... an authentic prescription record. UAE is strictly against the narcotic substances and gives serious punishment if someone is found guilty.

Besides narcotics, the Gulf region also bans recreational drugs, poppy seeds, as well as other products like gutka, betel leaf, qat leaf, niswar, among others. No matter whether you are caught carrying drugs your bag or a speck of dust on you, the punishment is quite harsh.

Under the UAE Federal Law no 4 1983, travelers are prohibited from carrying any unlicensed medications. In case of regular medicines, travelers are mandated to bring a prescribed medical copy which should be attested and stamped by the respective physicians from their own foreign country. This medicine is supplied only for three months.

In case of medicines CD-A and CD-B list, travelers need to get a medical copy signed and stamped by the respective physicians from their own foreign country. Along with this, they also need to get approval and attestation from the ministry of health from their homeland. Such medicines are supplied only for one-month duration.

UAE also prohibits the import of canceled medicines (those medicines which have been called off due to safety issues or products which have not been legally authorized for sale or distribution).

What should you do in case of life-sustaining medications?

In case, if it is mandatory for you to carry medications that keep you alive then make sure that you bring appropriate documents. Take copies and letters of specialists, physicians and hospitals so that the purpose of taking medicines is clear. Get those letters and copies approved by local UAE embassy so that you don't face any problems ahead. Travelers are requested to make themselves familiar with what drugs and medications are banned or allowed into the country.

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After qualifying as a lawyer within the fields of Criminal and Public Law, Dr. Hassan Mohsen Elhais has been practicing as a Legal Consultant in Dubai since 2006. Working exclusively with Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, Dr. Hassan has a strong ethical stance with regards to the place of the law firm, from clarity on the legal process through to the fee system.