British chef Luke Tully faced a harrowing experience after being wrongfully imprisoned in Dubai, spending nearly two years in jail due to a misunderstanding stemming from a single text message. The 47-year-old father of four, who had relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2018 to open two smokehouses, was arrested in March 2020 and accused of drug possession, despite no illegal substances being found in his home.
Tully’s troubles began when a friend, who managed VIP tables at the prestigious Oak nightclub, was caught with cocaine. Following this, police discovered a message from Tully about a restaurant booking in his friend’s phone, which they misinterpreted as evidence of drug involvement.
Tully recalls the moment police stormed his apartment. He describes an overwhelming force of officers who, without identifying themselves, kicked down his door. “I thought I was about to be kidnapped,” he said, recalling how they violently interrogated him about drugs. Despite testing negative for drugs, he was taken to jail without trial and faced a lengthy period of mental and physical abuse.
Conditions in Dubai’s Prisons
The conditions in the Dubai prison were dire, according to Tully. Overcrowding was rampant, with about 200 inmates in a facility designed for 130. Basic sanitation facilities were severely lacking, with only ten toilets and showers shared among the prisoners. Tully described his fellow inmates as “next level filth,” including rapists and animal abusers, further compounding the mental distress of his situation.
After three weeks, he was finally allowed to speak with a representative from the British embassy. The representative warned him that if convicted, he could face life in prison or even the death penalty. “That was the last thing I needed to hear,” Tully recalled, highlighting the psychological toll of his incarceration.
After 19 months in custody at two different facilities, Tully’s case collapsed, leading to his release and subsequent deportation back to the UK. Reflecting on his ordeal, he stated, “I don’t regret going to Dubai because I learned a lot about myself. I found a strength I didn’t know I had.”
The Drug Scene in Dubai
Tully also shed light on the growing issue of drug use in Dubai, noting that the influx of celebrities and criminals has exacerbated the situation. He indicated that cocaine is now readily available, selling for up to £300 per gram, significantly more than its street value in the UK.
He warned that many innocent expatriates and tourists face the risk of arrest simply by being in the vicinity of drugs, as the legal system in Dubai is notorious for its harsh penalties. “Just being in the same room as someone on drugs can result in a jail sentence,” Tully explained, urging others to exercise extreme caution when visiting the city.
His experience serves as a cautionary tale for those considering travel to Dubai, emphasizing the need for awareness of local laws and potential dangers. “My message to anyone offered drugs in Dubai is simple: don’t accept them and don’t let yourself be anywhere near them,” Tully advised.
Tully’s journey from a promising chef to a wrongfully imprisoned inmate highlights the complexities of navigating life in a foreign country, particularly within a legal system that can operate without the safeguards many are accustomed to.
