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Title – Tourists warned of UAE drug laws
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 8th February 2008
It is often difficult to understand what we perceive to be the ‘crazy’ laws of some of the countries we visit, even countries which attract as many tourists as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially Dubai. But whatever we think and whatever our beliefs, when in another country we have to abide by their rules and their laws, otherwise staying at home is our only option.
UAE is certainly not alone in having very strong laws on both legal and illegal drugs. Comparatively they may actually be more lenient than other countries where a mandatory death penalty is enforced. However it is their approach that is drawing attention to the risks of travel. Most people will accept that drug smugglers should face the consequences of their actions, even if they don’t agree with some of the harsh sentences. Few people can any longer be ignorant of the consequences of drug smuggling; put simply the penalties for drug smuggling anywhere in the world are severe and can result in a mandatory death sentence.
The difference in UAE is the methods of detection and the requirements for conviction. A zero tolerance approach is not unusual, but it is what constitutes possession that is most worrying. The examples in this article certainly reinforce the idea that any contact with illegal drugs could be considered possession in UAE and this in itself is of concern, as many people will not even be aware that they are or have been in contact. New technology makes it possible to detect even the smallest quantity of illegal drugs. Let me put that into some kind of context; a recent study showed that almost every £10 and £20 note in circulation in the UK when tested contain cocaine residue… undoubtedly there are many cocaine users in the UK but we all carry £10 and £20 notes in our wallets even those of us who have never touched the stuff...
The situation with prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs is equally strict, but here at least there is something you can do about it. It should be in everyone’s travel plan to ensure they make themselves aware through embassy websites, the FCO and similar sources which drugs may be restricted at their destinations (including stop-overs). Certainly any prescription drugs should not be taken without a copy of the prescription and preferably a letter from your doctor highlighting the need for the medication. Copies of these documents should be treated just as carefully as your passport; with copies made and stored in different locations and electronically.
Our Gap Year & Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop provides candidates with guidance and advice on Travel Safety issues ranging from Travel Health to Documentation, Passport, Visa and Currency advice. We will help you to plan effectively for your trip, to avoid potential problems and to return home safely with just positive adventures to recount to your friends and family.
Please visit our website please visit at
www.safegapyear.comSource – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 8th February 2008
It is often difficult to understand what we perceive to be the ‘crazy’ laws of some of the countries we visit, even countries which attract as many tourists as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially Dubai. But whatever we think and whatever our beliefs, when in another country we have to abide by their rules and their laws, otherwise staying at home is our only option.
UAE is certainly not alone in having very strong laws on both legal and illegal drugs. Comparatively they may actually be more lenient than other countries where a mandatory death penalty is enforced. However it is their approach that is drawing attention to the risks of travel. Most people will accept that drug smugglers should face the consequences of their actions, even if they don’t agree with some of the harsh sentences. Few people can any longer be ignorant of the consequences of drug smuggling; put simply the penalties for drug smuggling anywhere in the world are severe and can result in a mandatory death sentence.
The difference in UAE is the methods of detection and the requirements for conviction. A zero tolerance approach is not unusual, but it is what constitutes possession that is most worrying. The examples in this article certainly reinforce the idea that any contact with illegal drugs could be considered possession in UAE and this in itself is of concern, as many people will not even be aware that they are or have been in contact. New technology makes it possible to detect even the smallest quantity of illegal drugs. Let me put that into some kind of context; a recent study showed that almost every £10 and £20 note in circulation in the UK when tested contain cocaine residue… undoubtedly there are many cocaine users in the UK but we all carry £10 and £20 notes in our wallets even those of us who have never touched the stuff...
The situation with prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs is equally strict, but here at least there is something you can do about it. It should be in everyone’s travel plan to ensure they make themselves aware through embassy websites, the FCO and similar sources which drugs may be restricted at their destinations (including stop-overs). Certainly any prescription drugs should not be taken without a copy of the prescription and preferably a letter from your doctor highlighting the need for the medication. Copies of these documents should be treated just as carefully as your passport; with copies made and stored in different locations and electronically.
Our Gap Year & Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop provides candidates with guidance and advice on Travel Safety issues ranging from Travel Health to Documentation, Passport, Visa and Currency advice. We will help you to plan effectively for your trip, to avoid potential problems and to return home safely with just positive adventures to recount to your friends and family.
Please visit our website please visit at
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