Detained in Dubai

Charles Wimberly, a 52-year-old Navy veteran, was detained in Dubai after airport staff found his prescription Ibuprofen and CBD oil during a pre-departure screening. Despite presenting valid prescriptions, he was arrested and charged with "trafficking" the medications. Wimberly suffers from PTSD, a degenerative joint disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea, and relies on medication for chronic pain management. The veteran, who hails from Covington, Georgia, now faces up to three years in prison and risks missing a critical surgery in the U.S. His situation has caused severe emotional distress, exacerbating his PTSD and leaving his family deeply concerned.

Wimberly had traveled to Dubai for a brief vacation, filling his time with sightseeing tours. However, his return to the U.S. was interrupted when he was detained at DXB airport on September 27. Though he has been granted bail, he is unable to leave Dubai and is forced to stay in hotels while awaiting prosecution. The financial strain of unexpected hotel, medical, and legal expenses has compounded his ordeal. 

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and Wimberly's crisis manager, emphasized that he was deprived of necessary medications, including those for his diabetes, during his detention, leading to a diabetic episode. Stirling explained that Wimberly had misunderstood UAE regulations regarding prescription drugs, believing he was in compliance with the law.

Without immediate intervention, Wimberly may miss his upcoming surgery in Georgia, which is crucial for his degenerative condition. Stirling and her team are actively seeking to expedite his release to ensure he can return to the U.S. in time for medical treatment. His family, particularly his daughter, is extremely worried about his health and well-being. Detained in Dubai, an organization specializing in legal issues related to the UAE, continues to provide support to Wimberly as they work to resolve his case.

This harrowing experience has left Wimberly struggling with heightened PTSD symptoms, including uncontrollable shaking and emotional turmoil. He expressed deep guilt and sorrow, feeling as though he had let down his family, especially his daughter, who is heartbroken over the situation. Wimberly's background includes a family of military personnel, with his father having served in the U.S. military and his brother in the Air Force.

Wimberly's case highlights the strict and often misunderstood drug laws in the UAE, where even prescription medications can lead to severe legal consequences if travelers are not fully aware of local regulations.

Read full article here:  Navy veteran facing years in Dubai prison for travelling with his prescription medication - World News - Mirror Online