The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long had exceptionally harsh drug laws and a zero tolerance approach to the selling and use of illegal substances for recreational purposes.
The UAE government added new rules in October 2018 for anyone bringing specific pharmaceuticals into or through the country.
And travelers who enter the country for tourism or for business with more controlled medications than they need for personal use, including prescription drugs, may face repercussions. That is why it is important that you are aware of medicine that is banned from being carried by any individual entering the country.
The UAE has a list of 71 drugs that are currently unauthorized. Codeine, pseudoephiderine, and pholcodine, among other sedatives prevalent in popular cough syrups sold in the Indian subcontinent, are on the list in the recommendations’ annexures.
Social workers who frequently interact with blue-collar employees claim that occasionally, purely out of ignorance, people carry cough syrups and medicines containing these illegal narcotics and have been subject to deportation and detention. Depending on how much of the prohibited medicines are used, punitive action will be taken against violators.
Most travelers, according to Dr. Al Amiri, make up their possession of banned substances for personal use.
“But the quantities they bring in are huge which clearly means they are for sale in the community. We want to protect the expatriate and local population from such abuse and want to make sure no such drugs are brought to the country. The UAE is one of the safest countries and that is why this decree has been issued to ensure that our community remains safe,” he said.
The circular warns travelers entering the UAE against bringing in prohibited or psychotropic medications and narcotics that may be readily available in the country of origin but could be included on the control list in the UAE, citing Pharmacy Law No. 4 of 1983 and Narcotics Law No. 14 of 1995.
Before setting out on their journey, visitors to the UAE are recommended to review the comprehensive list of prohibited medications and the drug schedule and request permission from the ministry’s Registration and Drug Control Department to bring these items with them.
The circular also specifies that any personal medications will be inspected at the UAE port of entry by inspectors from the ministry and the customs division.
Sources: Awm, Edinburghnews, Independent