Influencer’s arrest in Dubai is wake-up call to UAE’s strict anti-drug laws, says agent

A love island Finalist arrested in Dubai The investigation into alleged drug offenses is said to “highlight the UAE’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs”.

Kazimir “Kaz” Crossley, who finished third in the fourth episode of the ITV reality series, was detained at Abu Dhabi airport on Monday en route to Thailand to complete volunteer work.

The 29-year-old internet celebrity was said to be freed after “cooperating with officials”, but the arrest was said to be a warning to tourists about the United Arab Emirates’ strict anti-drug laws.

“this United Arab Emirates Adopt a zero-tolerance policy on recreational drug use,” the government said on its website.

It states that participation in “the production, import, export, transport, purchase, sale, possession, storage of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, except in accordance with applicable law”.

Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty, while possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can lead to at least three months in prison or a fine of no less than 20,000 dirhams (£4,500). Herbal stimulants such as spices are also illegal, and drugs in the blood can be considered drug possession.

Crossley’s arrest is believed to be linked to an incident in 2020 when she was photographed wearing white powder during the pandemic.

Her agent said: “Kaz has cooperated fully with officials and is free to continue her journey.

“This case highlights not only the UAE’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs, but also the broad license of UAE law enforcement to arrest and prosecute individuals without substantial evidence.”

As well as strong anti-drug laws, the UAE also criminalizes cross-dressing and homosexuality, but has recently made it legal for couples to have children outside of wedlock.

Travelers entering the country have also been told that even over-the-counter drugs may be considered illegal. Passengers transiting through the UAE without a stopover may also be subject to drug searches.

Crossley hasn’t updated her Instagram page since October. She is expected to be barred from re-entering the UAE.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are in contact with local authorities following the arrest of a British national in the United Arab Emirates.”