From Trip To Authorized Nightmare: How A Georgia Veteran’s CBD Arrest In Dubai Landed Him Behind Bars

A retired Navy veteran from Covington, Georgia, is dealing with an unsure authorized scenario in Dubai after being arrested for possessing medically prescribed CBD capsules.

Charles Wimberly, 52, was detained at a Dubai airport on September 27 when officers found the capsules throughout a safety examine as he was getting ready to board a flight again to Georgia.

See Additionally: Rachel Sennott Arrested In Cayman Islands: I Wished ‘To Be Arrested For One thing Superior’ Not CBD

Regardless of exhibiting his prescription for medical marijuana, authorities accused Wimberly of drug trafficking because of Dubai’s strict legal guidelines towards cannabidiol (CBD) merchandise.

“They received me on a no-travel ban proper now, as a result of they’re principally saying I used to be trafficking medication with my prescription drugs,” Wimberly advised Channel 2’s Tom Regan (by way of YahooNews)

Continual Ache, CBD And An Surprising Arrest

Wimberly, who suffers from continual again ache, diabetes and PTSD, had been on trip in Dubai with mates when the incident occurred. A physician in Georgia had prescribed the CBD and prescription-strength ibuprofen to handle his signs, which embody extreme ache because of a pending surgical procedure.

On the day of his arrest, a routine safety screening on the airport became a nightmare for Wimberly. As he emptied his pockets, a number of capsules fell to the ground, prompting instant suspicion from airport officers.

“He stated what sort of drugs is that this? I stated Ibuprofen and CBD. He stated CBD just isn’t allowed. He known as police they usually have been like, ‘Are you trafficking medication?'” Wimberly recounted. Regardless of presenting his prescription, authorities deemed it inadequate and charged him with drug trafficking.

Detainment, Well being Scare And No Decision In Sight

Wimberly was taken into custody, the place he suffered a diabetic shock whereas in a holding cell. After receiving medical consideration, he was transferred to a bigger jail.

“There have been like 240 individuals in there. I stated are you able to give me one thing. My again is killing me. I can hardly stroll,” Wimberly stated.

Though he was later launched with out bond and despatched to a resort, Wimberly stays stranded in Dubai. His passport has been flagged, stopping him from leaving the nation. No courtroom date has been set to resolve his case.

“I talked to the U.S. Embassy. And a girl there advised me we won’t get entangled. That is all she stated.”

Household’s Plea For Assist

Wimberly’s father, Lonnie Wimberly, a retired Military veteran from Augusta, is deeply involved about his son’s scenario, notably the impression it may have on his well being.

“He is diabetic, he has a severe again damage. He has PTSD points. It is not one thing to take evenly to disclaim his drugs. It is very regarding to me.” Lonnie stated. “The variety of capsules he had, 5 perhaps, does not meet their threshold for trafficking. So, what they holding him for? It does not make sense to me.”

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

A corporation known as Detained in Dubai, which makes a speciality of aiding foreigners dealing with authorized points within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has taken up Wimberly’s case. They’re working by means of diplomatic channels to safe his launch, together with the U.S. Division of State, which has warned Americans concerning the dangers of touring to Dubai with even prescribed CBD merchandise.

Wimberly stays hopeful that prosecutors will conclude that there was no intent to distribute and that he’ll solely face a high-quality earlier than being allowed to return house. However the scenario is taking a toll on his psychological well being.

“It is scary. My PTSD is at one other stage,” Wimberly stated.

In the meantime, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff’s workplace has confirmed that it’s going to start investigating the matter this week.

Learn Subsequent:

Cowl picture made with AI.