The UAE has implemented a ban on Khas Khas (also known as posta or white poppy seeds), which are often used to enhance the taste of dishes in Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
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This ban extends to the import, production, export, transport, sale, possession, and storage of the substance.
Legal Consequences
- Violation of this ban falls under Federal Law No. 14 of 1995, which criminalizes activities involving narcotic and psychotropic substances.
- The penalty for such a violation could result in a jail term of up to 20 years.
Recent Case
- Several individuals have faced legal action due to this ban.
- A notable case involved an Indian from Mangalore who was arrested at Dubai International Airport.
- Customs inspectors seized 102.5g of poppy seeds from his luggage, resulting in his arrest.
Advisory
- Anyone planning to travel to the UAE is advised to avoid bringing Khas Khas with them due to the severe legal penalties that could result from its possession.
- It is important to note that laws in the UAE may differ significantly from those in other countries, including those relating to substances that are commonly used in cooking.
- Travelers should ensure that they are familiar with UAE laws to avoid inadvertently breaking them.
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