Drug charges

Drug offences in the UAE are prosecuted with zero tolerance. At Kayrouz & Associates, we provide skilled defence and guidance for individuals and families facing the serious legal consequences of drug possession, trafficking, or use.

Practice Overview

Drug-related charges in the UAE can result in severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment, fines, deportation, and asset forfeiture. Whether a case involves a small amount for personal use or allegations of trafficking, the legal system applies strict procedural and evidentiary rules. Our team at Kayrouz & Associates is experienced in navigating these complexities.

We provide rapid legal intervention from the moment of arrest, ensuring that clients’ rights are protected during interrogation and investigation. We examine every detail of the case, including the legality of the search, the chain of custody for seized items, and the validity of drug testing procedures.

Our lawyers understand how to negotiate charge reductions, argue for rehabilitation alternatives, and present strong defences in court. We also assist with early release applications and appeals when appropriate.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Possession and use of controlled substances
  • Drug trafficking and smuggling cases
  • Prescription drug offences
  • Defence against procedural violations and unlawful arrests
  • Negotiation for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
  • Appeals and post-conviction relief for drug offences
  • Meet Our Team

    Our team is equipped to handle complex legal matters with precision and care. Learn more about our lawyers below.
    Pierre Kayrouz

    Pierre Kayrouz

    Chief Legal Officer
    Maria Valeyeva

    Maria Valeyeva

    Chief Compliance Officer
    Georges Touma

    Georges Touma

    Head Litigator
    Carlos Rahme

    Carlos Rahme

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Y. Geagea

    Sandy Geagea

    Legal Consultant
    Rita Semaan

    Rita Semaan

    Legal Consultant
    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Paralegal
    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Junior Legal Counsel
    Saeed Gaber

    Saeed Gaber

    Legal Research Analyst

    Priya Bavanasi

    Senior Corporate Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen

    Nashita Nazneen

    Junior Corporate Counsel

    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Business Development Manager

    Marium Razzaq

    Solicitor

    Parvathy Pavithran

    HR and Document Controller

    Göksu Öznergiz

    Associate

    Chantal Elia Khawam

    Front Desk Specialist
    Real Estate Law

    What does green building compliance require from a Dubai developer?

    Green building compliance in Dubai is no longer a sustainability preference or branding exercise. Al Sa'fat now operates as a mandatory permit gate that can stop a project before construction begins and delay handover if compliance gaps surface too late. This guide explains how Al Sa'fat, Estidama and the UAE Climate Law interact across the project lifecycle.

    read article
    May 19, 2026
    Administrative Law

    How to comply with GHG reporting under the UAE Climate Law

    The UAE Climate Law transformed greenhouse gas reporting from a voluntary ESG exercise into a legal compliance obligation across almost every sector. This guide explains who qualifies as a Source, how the MRV platform works, what businesses must measure, and why waiting for a deadline extension may become an expensive mistake.

    read article
    May 19, 2026
    Dispute Resolution

    Recovering unpaid cross-border trade debts in the UAE

    When a UAE counterparty stops paying under a cross-border trade contract, recovery usually depends less on the governing law and more on the debtor’s UAE assets. This guide explains the practical routes, from formal demand and cheque execution to arbitration, payment orders, precautionary attachment and insolvency strategy.

    read article
    May 19, 2026
    View all news and insights