Call it unlucky.
An American man who allegedly smoked or swallowed weed in Las Vegas is facing three years in prison in the United Arab Emirates after traces of marijuana were found in his urine days later, according to Detained in Dubai, a website published by his lawyer. .
Peter Clark, 51, flew from Las Vegas to Dubai on February 24, where he went to hospital after an attack of pancreatitis. Doctors there found traces of hashish in his urine – considered possession in the UAE – and reported Clark to authorities.
He was arrested on March 3 and spent three days in a ‘flea cell’ before being allowed back to his hotel, where he awaited his fate.
He recorded a video of the ordeal after he got out of prison.
“Lost a lot of weight, no shower, no food, nothing to drink since I got here, no sleep,” Clark said
“The arbitrary enforcement of laws by the UAE and the lack of predictable legal outcomes means that Peter may face years in prison for legally smoking marijuana. Even if found innocent, he could be dragged through a slow and costly legal process, ”said Clark’s attorney, Radha Stirling.
Clark claims he did not bring drugs to Dubai, nor did he use or buy drugs while there.
He is not the first Westerner to suffer similar charges
British Army veteran Andy Neal spent more than a year in prison before being released in 2019. Another Briton, Connor Clements, was arrested in Dubai after ingesting medical marijuana in the UK.