US navy veteran's prescription leads to detention in Dubai

The United States Navy veteran faces three years in prison in Dubai for prescription medications used to treat chronic pain.

The 52-year-old Charles Wimberly was detained at DXB Airport on 27th September after officers found him with ibuprofen and prescribed CBD oil.

The disabled Navy veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) uses this medication to alleviate pain caused by degenerative spine disease.

Charles from Covington, Georgia, arrived in Dubai on 21st September and spent six days abroad on tours and sightseeing.

However, as he was preparing to board the long flight home, he experienced "every tourist's nightmare" when his luggage was scanned at security. That's where airport staff found the medications, and despite him presenting prescriptions for the pills, he was detained and taken into custody.

Charles is currently facing a three-year sentence for allegedly "trafficking" his own prescription medication, and worst of all, he might have to miss an important operation in the US due to the enforced stay in Dubai.

Charles was locked up and deprived of his prescription medications as well as medications used to treat diabetes and sleep apnoea, which caused him health issues - said Radha Stirling, who is helping the traveller get out of jail.

As highlighted by "The Mirror", his family, especially his daughter, are extremely worried about his health.

According to the latest information, the American was released on bail, but he was told he cannot leave the country and instead must pay for hotel rooms.

According to official regulations, emphasised among others by a government website, when travelling to the United Arab Emirates, you can bring a supply of medication for up to three months. Some popular medications are strictly controlled or even banned in the UAE, which can result in detention at the border.