Restricted Drugs In The UAE
Robert, an Indian media executive, has made it a habit to bring in controlled drugs for his two-year-old daughter every time they go through the airport from India.
Little did Robert know that the medicine that his daughter uses, makes him liable for narcotics trafficking charges in Dubai and could land him a minimum four year jail sentence, or even the death penalty in other emirates.
Fortunately, customs never flagged him down at the airport. “I bring the doctor's note each time we go through the airport, just in case. This drug costs me about Dh6 back home, but in Dubai it costs me Dh100,'' said Robert.
“I can only buy it from the government pharmacy in Al Wasl Hospital and the quantity is not regular due to the inconsistency of the doctors we meet.''
Many people are not so lucky.
Three Iranians were arrested in Dubai last September for possessing over 45 phenobarbital pills they said belonged to their older brother.
They denied the charges but failed to present a prescription, although they claimed to possess one from a hospital in Iran.
Their case is still ongoing, and they face a long jail term if found guilty.
There is strict control over the sale and use of phenobarbitals, which can be addictive.
In adult patients, phenobarbitals can cause a high level of alertness and lack of sleep while in children they are used to calm down hyperactive children.
A source from the Ministry of Health said all controlled drugs are available in the UAE, but they are only dispensed by government pharmacies with strict precautions.
“Controlled drugs may originate from morphine-based formulas or opiates and are highly addictive and can cause psychological disturbances. Therefore we control their distribution and monitor their consumption.''
While in many countries controlled drugs are available through general practitioners or pharmacists, the UAE only permits specialists in the field to grant prescriptions.
“Many visitors who arrive in the country are unaware. My advice is to always keep no more than a three-month supply with a prescription and a medical report on hand,'' he stated.
The Drug Control Department oversees all activities and regulates issues concerning narcotic medications in the UAE.
Six inspectors make spot checks of five pharmacies each day, to verify their trade and pharmaceutical licences and take stock of all drugs and controlled substances, in addition to hygiene and climate control.
Drugs sent through the mail are also thoroughly inspected.
All kinds of TB medications are banned in the UAE, according to the Ministry of Health.
Therefore, any symptoms of TB should be reported to hospitals.
Medications and treatment will be provided to the patient free of charge in a specialised centre.
Critically ill patients will be sent back to their home countries for treatment.
* Did you know which drugs are restricted? Vote in our poll.
The full list of controlled drugs
S No, trade name, generic name and form:
Courtesy of the US Embassy in the UAE.
Further queries may be directed to the UAE Ministry of Health's Drug Control Department in Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 848, Fax: 971 2 6313 742.
Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News
We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.
This section is about Living in UAE and essential information you cannot live without.
Register to read and get full access to gulfnews.com
By clicking below to sign up, you're agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy