British man freed after arrest in Dubai for having 'too many' anti-depressants

A British man who faced years behind bars in Dubai after being found with “too many” anti-depressants, has been freed.

Maritime security officer Perry Coppins, 61, was arrested in November after being stopped at Fujairah sea port with a six-month supply of prescribed medication.

The father-of-three, from Nottingham, was later diagnosed with prostate cancer and his family feared his detainment would mean “a death sentence” if he was not released to seek treatment.

Mr Coppins was held in jail for for five weeks despite having GP prescriptions for three types of anti-anxiety drug, all legal in the United Arab Emirates, and explaining to customs officials and police that he needed enough medication for a half-year sea voyage.

Detained in Dubai (DiD), a legal organisation which had taken up his case, said Mr Coppins learned on Sunday that charges against him had been dropped. His passport has been returned and he has been told he is free to return home.

DiD chief executive Radha Stirling said: “We welcome the decision by Dubai authorities to take the humane and sensible course with Perry.

“This case should never have escalated to the point of criminal charges, but without the scrutiny of the international media, it is unlikely that Perry would be a free man tonight.

“In the absence of such attention, what was essentially a misjudgment by one customs official turned into a literally life-threatening situation for Perry.”

DiD claimed Mr Coppins was denied his medication in custody, and his condition deteriorated rapidly as he suffered severe withdrawal, including hallucinations, bouts of blindness and weight loss.

His hands and feed were shackled in prison and he spent all of his savings on legal costs and living expenses while awaiting a 15 January trial, the organisation added.

Mr Coppins’ arrest is the latest in a string of cases in which Britons have been incarcerated in Dubai, often over disputed accusations of minor crimes.

Ms Stirling said: “We advise caution to all visitors, including those transiting through the UAE to utilise caution when doing so.

“As we have seen in many cases recently, such as Asa Hutchinson, who was merely in the vicinity of an alleged crime, even if someone has not broken the law, they can still find themselves facing prosecution.”