A retired Navy veteran from Covington, Georgia, is facing an uncertain legal situation in Dubai after he was arrested for possessing medically prescribed CBD pills.
Charles Wimberly, 52, was detained at Dubai Airport on September 27 as he prepared to board a flight back to Georgia when authorities discovered pills during security screening.
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Despite providing a prescription for medical cannabis, authorities charged Wimberly with drug trafficking, citing Dubai's strict laws against cannabidiol (CBD) products.
“They've now put a travel ban on me, basically saying I'm trafficking drugs along with prescription drugs,” Wimberly told Channel 2's Tom Regan. said (from YahooNews)
Chronic pain, CBD, and an unexpected arrest
Wimberly, who suffers from chronic back pain, diabetes and PTSD, was on holiday in Dubai with friends when the incident occurred. A doctor in Georgia had prescribed CBD and prescription-strength ibuprofen to manage symptoms such as severe pain from pending surgery.
On the day of his arrest, routine security screening at the airport became a nightmare for Wimberly. When he emptied his pockets, several pills fell to the floor, immediately arousing suspicion from airport officials.
“He said, 'What drug is this?' I said Ibuprofen and CBD. He said CBD was not allowed. He called the police, but they was like, 'Are you trafficking drugs?'” Wimberly said. Despite providing a prescription, authorities deemed it insufficient and charged him with drug trafficking.
Detention, health concerns, no resolution in sight
Wimberly was taken into custody and suffered diabetic shock while in jail. After receiving medical attention, he was transferred to a larger prison.
“There were about 240 people there. I said, can you give me something? My back hurts to death. I can barely walk,” Wimberly said.
Wimberly was later released without bail and sent to a hotel, but remains stranded in Dubai. His passport has been flagged, preventing him from leaving the country. A court date has not yet been set to resolve his case.
“We consulted the U.S. embassy, and the woman there said we couldn't get involved. That's all she said.”
A family's plea for help
Wimberly's father, Ronnie Wimberly, is a retired Army veteran from Augusta who is deeply concerned about his son's situation, especially the impact on his health.
“He's diabetic, he's had a serious back injury, he's got PTSD issues, and refusing medication is not something to be taken lightly. It's very concerning to me,” Ronnie said. Said. “The number of pills he had, maybe five, doesn't meet the criteria for trafficking. So what are they holding him for? That makes no sense to me. ”
Diplomatic efforts underway
Wimberley's case was picked up by Detained in Dubai, an organization that specializes in helping foreigners facing legal problems in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They are working to secure his release through diplomatic channels in conjunction with the US State Department, which has warned American citizens about the risks of traveling to Dubai even with prescription CBD products.
Mr. Wimberly is hopeful that prosecutors will conclude there was no intent to distribute and that he will only be fined and allowed to return home. However, the situation is taking a toll on his mental health.
“It's scary. My PTSD is on another level,” Wimberly said.
Meanwhile, Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff's office confirmed this week that it would launch an investigation into the matter.
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