Drug mule smuggled heroin into UAE 14 times in less than two years

Offender loses appeal against jail term

A frequent flyer who smuggled drugs into the UAE 14 times in less than two years lost an appeal against his jail sentence.

The 30-year-old was found to have 47 capsules of heroin in his stomach when he was stopped at Dubai International Airport in March after an arrest warrant was issued due to suspicions over his travel habits.

Records showed none of his many trips to the country lasted more than three days.

The offender was questioned by police about his regular trips and admitted smuggling heroin on each occasion.

“When he arrived, we took him into custody based on the arrest warrant issued against him prior to his arrival,” said a policeman.

He said that when the capsules were extracted, they contained 524.6 grammes of heroin.

In court last May, the man faced a charge of smuggling drugs with intent to sell, which he denied.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by deportation and was also fined Dh200,000.

He appealed, seeking a reduced term, but his bid was rejected.