In the middle of the sea, no one hears you.
But in the courtroom, the law speaks loudly — and truth prevails.
This case began with a maritime inspection of an international cargo vessel arriving at a UAE port.
Authorities discovered illegal substances inside one of the containers, and the entire ship’s crew was arrested and charged with drug trafficking.
The allegations were severe, the consequences potentially devastating.
But the legal team at Othman Al Marzooqi Advocates stood firm — with arguments, documents, and determination.
The Background:
The five-member crew operated a commercial cargo ship with routine shipping duties.
Their job was to navigate the vessel and manage onboard systems — not handle or inspect cargo containers.
However, during a port inspection, customs officials uncovered a significant quantity of narcotics inside one sealed container.
Without direct evidence, the entire crew was accused of knowingly participating in an international smuggling operation.
Our Defense Strategy:
From the outset, our mission was clear: Prove that the crew had no knowledge or involvement in the smuggled cargo.
We argued before the court:
- Lack of Knowledge and Intent: The crew had no authority to open, inspect, or interfere with any containers. They simply transported what was officially loaded by third-party shippers.
- Responsibility Lies with the Shipping Company: Official shipping records showed that the cargo was packed and sealed abroad, long before the vessel reached UAE waters.
- No Personal Evidence: No drugs were found in the crew’s personal belongings, cabins, or work areas. There was nothing linking any individual directly to the narcotics.
- Prosecution Demanded Maximum Sentence — But the Court Saw the Truth: Despite calls for the harshest penalties, the court carefully examined the facts, and issued a landmark acquittal for all five crew members.
Why We Share This?
Because presence alone is not guilt.
Because in drug cases, conviction requires more than assumption — it demands proof.
This case is a reminder that justice pays attention to detail, and that a strong legal defense can literally save lives.