Carpenter jailed for smuggling drugs and phones into Dubai prison

HA, from Sudan, smuggled 161 tramadol tablets and mobile phones to AA in return for Dh6,600 after being approached by AA’s friend.

DUBAI // A carpenter who worked at the Dubai Central Prison was caught smuggling tramadol tablets and phones to an inmate jailed for drug use.

At the Dubai Criminal Court H A, 53 from Sudan, denied smuggling drugs to the Emirati, who was serving four years, but admitted taking phones.

Records said he smuggled 161 tramadol tablets and phones to A A, 48, in return for Dh6,600 after being approached by the prisoner’s friend.

Prosecutors said A R, a Pakistani, offered the carpenter money to take the items into Al Aweer.

Police were tipped off and a mobile phone was found inside the inmate’s cell bathroom. The carpenter was arrested at the gate the next day.

“He confessed and said he did it many times in the past,” said an Emirati policeman.

The inmate’s friend was arrested a day later in Al Qusais. He and the prisoner denied offering a bribe and possessing 161 tramadol tablets, while the carpenter confessed to smuggling phones.

“I didn’t smuggle drugs inside the jail,” he told the judge.

The court decided otherwise.

All three were sentenced to a year in jail each and jointly fined Dh20,000. The carpenter was also fined Dh6,600.

The two expatriates will be deported after their jail terms.