Abu Dhabi's Judicial Court has issued a reminder about the stringent penalties for abusing prescription narcotics and psychotropic substances.
The UAE enforces a no-tolerance policy on these substances, with amended laws focusing on rehabilitation for first-time offenders.
The penalties are structured based on the frequency of the offences committed.
Under Article 41 and 43 of the Federal Decree Law No. (30) of 2021, first-time offenders face three months in prison and fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.
A second offence results in at least six months of imprisonment and similar fines.
For third-time offenders, penalties vary based on the substance abused, with fines exceeding Dh100,000 and jail terms of at least one year.