Drug smugglers escape death sentence

Two drug peddlers face life imprisonment followed by deportation after the panel of judges couldn't agree on imposing the death sentence last week. The Dubai Court of First Instance sentenced the two, Hasan M. Z., 32, and Hussein A. B., 33, both Iranian visitors, to life imprisonment for smuggling, possessing and trafficking drugs.

According to article 218 of the Federal Penal Law, if the panel of judges do not agree unanimously on a death sentence, then this should be replaced by a life sentence.

The General Prosecution had charged the accused with smuggling and possessing 27.12 grams of heroin, morphine and codeine and 141.78 grams of opium with commercial intent.

On March 15, an informer alerted the Anti-Narcotics Department that the two possessed some smuggled heroin and opium that they needed to sell for Dh10,000.

The police assigned a secret agent to buy the drugs. The informer and the agent went to the hotel room in Naif where the two Iranians were staying. While Hasan started a conversation about drugs with the two men, Hussein packed the drugs.

After the deal was sealed, an anti-narcotics squad raided the room and arrested the peddlers.