Vercingetorix,
Simple fact is that if you walk into Dubai thinking that you can have a Spliff and then stub it underfoot and then no worries you're much mistaken. Try it in Texas and you will kiss your loved ones good bye for 20 Yrs +.
That was not my point at all; in fact I agree with your sentiment as expressed in your quote above.
MY point was that the UAE is actively pursuing a policy that locks people up for using LEGAL AND NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION while outside of the UAE.
If Codeine is detected in my system because I used some Nurofen Plus BEFORE leaving the UK; I can be jailed for four years in the UAE.
I'm not in physical possession of the medication; I purely used it to combat a headache in a country where such usage is allowed. My imprisonment for such physiological possession would be, to my mind, unwarranted and excessive.
If I were to be so stupid as to smuggle even the smallest amount of ANY substance, including the aforementioned Codeine-based product, into the UAE then I would deserve everything I got.
Regards