23 men have drug sentences reduced or replaced by fines under updated anti-narcotics law

The use of illegal drugs was downgraded to a misdemeanour by lawmakers in October last year.

DUBAI // Twenty-three men involved in 19 drug cases who were each sentenced to four years in prison have had their jail terms reduced or replaced by fines in line with the amended anti-drugs law.

Dubai Criminal Court reduced the sentences of four of them, including two brothers, from four to two years, while the 19 others had their jail terms replaced by a Dh10,000 fine each.

Most of the Emirati convicts will soon be released after paying their fines.

One of the four who had their terms reduced will immediately walk free as he has already served two years. The three others still have a few months remaining before they can be released.

All 23 men were convicted of drug consumption or possession for personal use.

More cases involving drugs for personal use are being referred to three panels of judges for review in light of the use of illegal drugs being downgraded to a misdemeanour by lawmakers in October last year.

Prosecutors are reviewing cases of those who had been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment in 2014, 2015 and 2016.