DUBAI // A 34-year-old Dutch woman is facing a four-year prison term and deportation for possessing and smoking hashish while on holiday in Dubai. The woman, identified as NT, pleaded guilty and explained to the judge that she was given the hashish by SK, a 44-year-old Emirati, who is a co-defendant. According to the Public Prosecutor's report to the court, NT was found with 0.87g of pure hashish, and a rolled cigarette containing 0.4g of hashish mixed with tobacco.
SK pleaded guilty to supplying NT with the hashish and smoking it with her but denied using amphetamines and methamphetamines. NT was arrested on May 12 in Room 3327 of the Golden Sands Hotel after a tip to anti-narcotics officers that there were drugs in the room. NT told arresting officers that she had been given the drugs by SK, who was subsequently arrested. In her defence, NT said she had come from Holland on holiday and did not go looking for hashish, but when it was offered to her by SK, she could not resist.
In Holland, smoking hashish and possessing it in small quantities is legal. Emirati drug offenders have the option of attending rehabilitation instead of being jailed. The case was adjourned until early September. ealghalib@thenational.ae
