British Chef Details Ordeal in Dubai Prison After Wrongful Arrest

A British chef’s dream turned into a nightmare when he was wrongfully imprisoned in Dubai for nearly two years after a text message led to his arrest. Luke Tully, 47, spent 19 months in two prisons in the United Arab Emirates after being accused of possessing cocaine, a claim he vehemently denies. Tully’s experience highlights the severe consequences that can arise from misunderstandings in a country known for its strict drug laws.

Tully, who moved to Dubai in 2018 to establish a restaurant business, enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle until his arrest in 2020. His troubles began when he befriended a man associated with the city’s nightlife, which led to his wrongful accusations. He recalls how police stormed his home, violently confronting him under the suspicion that he was involved in drug trafficking.

“They kicked the door off the hinges,” Tully recounted. “There were about 12 of them, and they weren’t in uniform. I thought I was about to be kidnapped.” The police, he claims, subjected him to physical abuse and threats, insisting he was hiding drugs. Despite testing negative for illegal substances and having no drugs found in his possession, Tully was imprisoned without trial for one year.

Life in an Overcrowded Prison

Tully describes the conditions in the Dubai prison as “mental torture.” He was held in a facility designed for 130 inmates, but overcrowding pushed the number to around 200. With only ten toilets and showers available, the situation was dire.

The chef’s fellow inmates included serious offenders, which added to the distress of his imprisonment. He noted, “The people I was banged up with were next level filth – rapists and paedophiles from Third World countries.” This harrowing environment compounded the psychological strain he faced during his confinement.

After weeks of isolation, Tully finally spoke with a representative from the British embassy. The news he received was chilling: “If you are found guilty, you can either get the death penalty or life in prison.” This stark warning marked a dark turning point in his ordeal and led him to fear for his future.

The Collapse of the Case

Ultimately, after nearly 19 months in custody, the case against Tully collapsed, and he was released and deported back to the UK. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “I don’t regret going to Dubai because I learned a lot about myself and found a strength I didn’t know I had.” However, he urges travelers to be aware of the potential dangers of the region, especially regarding drug laws.

Dubai has seen a marked increase in drug-related incidents, with cocaine becoming alarmingly prevalent. Tully warns that even innocent individuals can find themselves caught in a web of suspicion. “Just being in the same room as someone on drugs can result in a jail sentence,” he cautioned.

Despite the risks, the lucrative drug trade continues to thrive, with cocaine reportedly selling for up to £300 a gram, significantly higher than its street value in the UK. Tully emphasized that the situation is deteriorating, as more individuals become involved in drug use and trafficking.

“My message to anyone offered drugs in Dubai is, don’t accept them and don’t let yourself be anywhere near them – it’s that simple,” he advised. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers facing expatriates and tourists in a city known for its opulence but also its strict legal repercussions.

Tully is now writing a book detailing his ordeal, aiming to shed light on the realities of living in a place where the law can sometimes be unforgiving and misinterpretations can lead to devastating consequences.