Nurse in Dubai loses appeal against life sentence for drug charges

The nurse was arrested during a sting after officers from Dubai Police's anti-narcotics unit recieved a tip-off.

DUBAI// A nurse has lost her appeal against a life sentence for possessing, consuming and hiding amphetamines.

Filipina J L, 34, was convicted by Dubai Criminal Court alongside her compatriot R J, 33, who police said had purchased drugs from the nurse for Dh4,500.

R J’s life sentence was also upheld, although both denied the charges against them.

R J was arrested during a sting after officers from Dubai Police’s anti-narcotics unit received a tip-off. He was seized after handing over drugs to an undercover officer near Al Reef Mall in Al Muraqqabat.

Upon his arrest, the defendant told police he had bought the drugs from a nurse who lived in Ajman. J L was then tracked down and arrested by officers who found drugs on her person.

“I was among the arresting team,” Emirati officer H S told the court. “We found her walking near a clothes shops on Sheikh Humaid Road. I searched her thoroughly and then found the drugs wrapped in two plastic bags and hidden in her underwear.”

During the investigation, the nurse told officers that R J had contacted her to see if she had any drugs for sale. She then confessed to police to buying the amphetamines from a Filipino man before selling them to R J.

Both were also fined Dh100,000 and will be deported after completing their sentences.