ABU DHABI // A man denied using marijuana yesterday, saying he was a recovering cancer patient who did not smoke.
The Briton LW appeared before the appeals court, where prosecutors were contending a not-guilty verdict for consuming or carrying illegal drugs in the UAE that was issued at the court of first instance.
The man was in Sri Lanka for 14 weeks before flying to the Emirates on his way to the UK, and said he may have taken medication while there. He said he was a recovering cancer patient and did not smoke for medical reasons.
He was arrested at a UAE airport on April 3 after Tramadol tablets were found in his bag. He had planned to stay in the country for three days before heading back to the UK for medical treatment.
He said the Tramadol had been prescribed in the UK but police arrested him, saying he had no proof.
The Briton spent two-and-a-half weeks in prison awaiting trial, during which time he secured the prescription for Tramadol from the UK, which led to an acquittal at the court of first instance.
"I went to Baniyas to pick up my passport, then they told me there was another case against me," said the man. "I was not allowed to take my passport then."
He said he was shocked when he heard the word "hashish", and it was the first time he had heard this accusation.
"I did not take marijuana, I am a recovering cancer patient," he told the judge. "I do not smoke, I only came here on transit."
The judge wanted to adjourn the case until September, but the Briton objected, saying he was ill and that he had "no money and no medication".
He said he had missed several medical appointments in the UK during his three months in the UAE awaiting a decision.
LW said the British Embassy was unable to help and was only concerned about his welfare while in prison. The case was adjourned until July 18.
osalem@thenational.ae
If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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1962
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1976
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2002
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2010
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Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
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Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
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Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
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Sunday
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UAE Tour 2020
Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI