Sanaa: 12 sentenced in drug trafficking cases as trial begins for new smuggling ring

SANAA, May 04 (YPA) – The Specialized Criminal Court in Sanaa, presided over by Judge Abdullah Al-Hamzi, on Monday issued prison sentences ranging from one to 25 years against 12 individuals convicted of drug possession, trafficking, and consumption.

According to the court ruling, four defendants received the maximum sentence of 25 years for the possession and promotion of hashish, as well as operating premises for drug distribution. Additionally, three convicts were sentenced to five years for possession with intent to consume, while five others received one-year sentences for establishing consumption dens.

The court also ordered the confiscation and destruction of all seized narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and transport vehicles, while one individual was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

In a related judicial development, the court commenced its first session in a separate case involving 25 defendants accused of buying and selling hashish, crystal meth (shabo), and Captagon pills, alongside the illicit manufacturing of narcotics.

Following the presentation of the indictment and evidence, the court granted the defense’s request for an adjournment to review the case files before the next hearing.

YPA