Picture used for illustrative purposes.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Traffic Court handed down a two-year prison sentence and a fine of Dhs100,000 to a man for driving a vehicle under the influence of psychotropic substances. Additionally, the Court banned the defendant from transferring or depositing any funds to third parties without the permission of the Central Bank of the UAE, and in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior for two years from serving the terms.

Furthermore, the Court ordered the suspension of the defendant's driver's licence for a period of one year, commencing from the date of completion of the sentence. Finally, the Court order to deport the defendant from the country following completion of the terms. The case, which was proceeded by Chancellor Ammar Ahmed Al Dhanhani, Chief Prosecutor at the Traffic Prosecution, originated in August of this year. At that time, the convict was driving a vehicle before he stopped in front of a checkpoint in the Al Warqa area.

He was suspected by the relevant authorities and subsequently referred to the General Directorate of Forensic Evidence and Criminology, where he subjected to drug test. This was done in order to determine whether the individual was under the influence of psychotropic or narcotic substances. This process was conducted in coordination with Al Rashidiya Police Station and the Traffic Prosecution.

Chancellor Salah Boufrosha Al Falasi, First Public Solicitor and Head of the Traffic Prosecution, stated that the convict had been interrogated on the same day, then he remanded in custody pending further investigation. Furthermore, all the requisite legal and judicial investigations and procedures in such cases were completed, and all the necessary technical reports were attached, which proved the presence of psychotropic substances in the test samples.

The necessary measures were duly taken. Additionally, the public prosecution's investigations revealed that the accused had similar criminal records, which were corroborated by the case file. Al Falasi also revealed that the driver had been referred to the Traffic Court with the recommendation to toughen the penalty against him.

He was found guilty of consuming psychotropic substances, driving a vehicle under the influence of psychotropic substances, driving an uninsured vehicle on a public road, and driving a vehicle with an expired licence.

Al Falasi urged all motorists to refrain from driving under the influence of medical drugs, which impair drivers' abilities to control the vehicle, and to comply with the relevant legislation, regulations and decisions regarding traffic and road safety in the Emirate of Dubai. This is essential to enhance the levels of security and traffic safety for all road users.