This law has -'ve social and environmental impacts (Moroc). Law is an evolutionary thing that is obviously still in its infancy. In centuries from now people will look at ous and think we are just plain dumb. Like how we look back at the laws of say, 900AD GB. See Tony Robinsons crime and punishment

John, London,

Drugs are dangerous and can be life threatening. People's lives are destroyed by them. Dubai has got every right to say No to it. We have destroyed our own youth by being so lenient about this matter. We have got teenagers on drugs here, alcohol you name it. Why should Dubai turn into the same mess?

Mark Kayleigh , London, Britain

I understand there is little or no crime in UAE - Hmmm, sounds great! Perhaps if we took note and stopped listening to moaning layabout stoners, this country would be a better place for decent hard-working drug free people to raise families, but no, youth culture has to plumb the depths as usual.

Simon, Nottingham,

I'm never going there and would strongly advise property investors NOT to invest their money in Dubai until such ridiclious laws are changed

Leonard, London, UK

some of these guys invited him there now he's stuck and for what ? let him home ?

markus, brighton, uk

"Radio 1 DJ Kevin Greening died... large quantities of cocaine, ecstasy and the drug GHB. "

I'm not sure what the purpose of this paragraph is besides to contextualize the drum n bass scene as a drug ridden culture and to taint Grooverider having the state wash their hands of him.

Shameful!

Theodore, Toronto, Canada

4 years is a ridiculous time for such a small amount of weed, 1 year less than gang rape?! Insane.

HOWEVER... everyone knows that the middle east has VERY strict laws, taking drugs through an airport anywhere is retarded, and if you don't like somewhere's laws or beliefs don't go there! Simple.

mark, birmingham, UK

"We need tougher laws like that in this country. "

Darren in Horsham what an utterly frightening sentiment. So you're fre to drink wine and beer in the uk and you think otherwise law abiding people should get locked up for smoking a joint!! Now that's criminal.

Tom, Newcastle,

We sould respect their laws and criminal justice system and leave him in jail, it sends out a clear message to other 'would-be' criminals. We need tougher laws like that in this country. Shame coz he is a class DJ but if you cant do the time dont do the crime.

Darran, Horsham, W Sx , England

crazy!!! I feel for the Guy and wish we could do something, a Canadian man was deported back home for something similar- why can't England help.?

Mark, camberwell, United Kingdom

this is rediculous, such a small amount, in the UK he would not have even been arrested. They should deport him to the UK to be prosecuted, he hadnt even really entered the country. And surely that quantity cant be considered smuggling, its not enough to be profitable.

Alex, West sussex.,

I think its rediculous the poor bloke should never have been sent down, not for that anyways.
Some people do much worse, and walk away which is sickening.

Carl, Bristol, UK

Education seems to be key here, I mean Cannabis is still very much misunderstood by us all and always misrepresented within the music business. When musicians take to hard drugs like heroin & cocaine they are rarely if at all linked to so called abrasive styles of music i.e D&B, Hip Hop, Grime.

Cw, Manchester, U.K

Rider messed up, he must be telling the truth about not knowing he had it on him, otherwise he must be stupid to think he can just walk in to any country with pot on him...in his position and with the fees he gets, its mad, too many famous people think they are above the law.

Adam H, Hastings, England

no one should be imprisoned unless they have hurt someone,

matty, london, uk

rules are rules. it was his responsibity that he ahd it on him, just liek when i got busted.
quite siimply, he & I shouldnt have had it on us, or we shoulda been a damn sight more careful widdit.
Other countries laws are to be respected as our own.

Conor, Bangor, Wales

It's like just over a teenth of weed, the man is a celebrity. He made a little mistake and I think he is being punished harshly. I love 'THE RIDER' and we want him back. I have every accelerated culture CD, I always listened to fabio & groove rider on radio 1. Hes a legend, the UK shood stand up do something about it he would'nt get that sentance in our country. Get him back in our country the same goes for everyone else who has made that mistake, not just him the goverment should stop tip toeing around other countries, have their say and get him back. I have no faith in this country I think its pathetic the goverment disgusts me and alot of other people.

Jonathon Burns, Norwich, Norwfolk

What's with that British tourist Keith Brown. 4 years for 0.002 grams of cannabis???
I have to remember to wash all my cloths with the pockets inside out if I ever go to UAE or I'm facing 4 years for sure as well.....
I hate principles

Victor Petri, Rotterdam,

4 years for such a small amount of cannabis is pathetic .I think he has been punished enough and should be set free asap.He couldnt have known that gear was still in his posession ,im sure he wouldnt have risked smuggling a couple of spliffs hardly worth it was it? He must be released and sent home ,and let it be a warning to others that drugs of any kind are not accepted in their society which is fair do's anyway chin up mate Rave on!!!

Darryl K, luton, u k

It is only fair to treat Groove in the same manner as any other person trying to smuggle drugs into a country. The amount of cannabis was little and perhaps for personal use and the sentence does seem very severe. But I guess in UAE, they put a lot of emphasis on drugs prevention because of the damages they can do to the society as a whole. Therefore it was probably not the amount but for the reasons of UAE's values, beliefs and zero tolerance towards drugs that Groove was handed a lenghty sentence. And my point is that Groove made a comment ;

“I just want this to end and to never come back. It was a small amount. Back home I would not even get prosecuted".

Yeah Ok, BUT you were not "back home" whilst you had posession of cannabis trying to enter UAE !

Jonny Bravo, High Wycombe,

Sean from High Wycombe - what has India got to do with anything? Last time I checked Dubai was in the UAE.

James , London,

My dad has worked in Dubai for 10years and i have visted him twice a year for all the years hes been there! In England i socially take drugs because i enjoy them and because i know i can get away with it lol! But in Dubai if some body paid me to take drugs i wouldnt because the penalties are huge, grooverider knew he was not allowed to take drugs into the country, he had even been warned before his visit about the laws! The U.A.E is Zero Tolerance on drugs because it is a muslim country and people thinkin they can get away with it are naive! As a D&B dj myself i aint happy bout him bein arrested but he aint above the law, i might try and visit him coz im goin to Dubai next tuesday lol, and Sean from High Wycombe they aint pickin on him and India is no where near Dubai, read a map mate! peace!

Raimesey, York,

all i can say as i sit here listening to a rockin' 1997 metalhedz grooverider essential mix, is the world has been robbed of one of the most influencial & inspiring DJ's.

The guy has proved ledgendary in a world where one hit wonders & corporate motivated money making music are accepted as the norm. A bloke that alongside a select few others, has continued to play & pioneer real music & inspire people the world over. Detroit has Derrick May, we had Grooverider - thats the gravity of it.

Of course he was foolish to attempt to take drugs through any airport, a big mistake - but four years for a measly henry ? - its badly over the top.

Believe me, there will be ageing house heads like me all over the country that feel wounded by this & hope for a miracle - can the embassadors pull some strings? Get him deported (as i'm sure he wont be in a hurry to ever return) UAE want to keep us sweet as a nation.

Mutley - DO SOMETHING!

Adrian C, Somerset.

adrian cox, wincanton, somerset

People should not take laws to be concrete. A law is a device created for a reason, the reason (some of the time) is to try and protect people and better society, it is NOT an excuse for people not to think for themselves and decide what is write and wrong on their own.
If the law is one against the use of drugs, it should be because of the affects primary (distortion of reality, lack of co-ordination etc. which tend to conflict with many religious doctrines) and secondary (stealing, violence, shootings etc.) caused by drugs. Using this line of argument it therefore makes no logical sense to ban drugs in miniscule amounts when they cannot cause either of these effects.
Personally i don't believe that anyone has the right to tell me what i can and can't take as long as my behaviour because of it does not adversely affect others.
In the UAE I think the v. anti drug laws are based largely on religion, to subject & punish others by the laws of one religion is fundamentally wrong.

Hamish Ransley, Manchester, UK

this must be a real nightmare for dj grooverider,i cannot believe the police cannot see this is not a drug trafficking situation and is for personnal use,they should fine him and this will help the indian ecomony and him.i feel for grooverider as he is a legend in drum n bass and seems to be picked on not because of the drugs but because he's a big name.i am gutted for him.but he will learn and return BIG TIME!!

SEAN, HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND,BUCKS

A lot of people here seem to be saying laws are laws and they should always be obeyed. I dont necessarily agree with this.

I believe there are certain crimes that 'normal' people will never commit - murder, rape etc. Therefore we have no argument that these laws are in place to punish people committing such offences.

Then there are certain activities (such as drug taking, prostitution for eg) that a government may believe are dangerous and impose laws against these things. I dont believe we have to agree with the laws, nor obey them. We should expect punishment if caught but it doesnt mean we have to agree.

Most drug laws were created years ago and bear no relevance to the reality of the situation.

I believe there is one thing wrong with drugs; that is that they are illegal therefore forcing normal people to become criminals in the eyes of the law.

Just think how much import drugs have played in the progression of ALL cultures. Drugs = cultural progression.

Daniel, Cambridge, UK

Read this BBC article about the number of people arrested flying into Dubai for traces of drugs or medicines on their person or in their blood or urine, before making ignorant comments:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7234786.stm

David Wilson, Brighton, UK

Unfortunately, in the UK, many people have the attitude that Cannabis is a "harmless" drug. Go to any Mental Health Ward in the UK and the staff there will tell you different. Schizophrenia and cannabis use have a very high correlation, particularly in West Indian Communities in the UK.

I also can't believe the hypocrisy of British people. Complaining about foreign criminals breaking UK laws and in the same breathe, defending this man because he was given the minimum sentence for drug possession in a foreign country is absolutely hypocritical. Are Brits who complain about this sentence seriously advocating a system of extraterritoriality, whereby foreigners are subject to the laws of their own country rather than the country they are visiting. This would protect British citizens from penalties for drugs possession, but would also allow for the introduction of Sharia Law for large sections of the UK's immigrant community.

Why was this man not caught with the drugs at Heathrow?

Mike Gow, Beijing, China

Rubbish! People all over the world commit gbh and get sentences shorter than 5 years, yet Groove may get a possible 4 for carrying a very small amount of a class C drug.
Lets get things in perspective!!!!!!

ben, halifax,

Plenty of immigrants break the law in this country (particularly w.r.t driving untaxed & uninsured cars). Does the law in this country do anything about it? I think not. 4 years for unwittingly carrying a small amount of a decriminalised class 'C' drug seems like an awful lot to me.

Paul, Belfast, N Ireland

As a Dubai resident I have to say the attempt to eliminate drugs from UAE society is commendable. I would also support the sentence on the unfortunate Mr Grooverider if sentences in general reflected the harshness of this one. Unfortunately that is not the case as a review of the local newspaper Gulf News will tell you. In particular the sentences on rape. An article in Gulf News 29th March 2007 reports a sentence of 5 years on a group of men who gang raped a young woman. This plus many more can be seen on the Gulf News web site.
Life in Dubai is certainly not as crime free as many try to suggest, and the courts appear to be biased in sentencing where particular crimes are concerned.
Anyone visiting the UAE needs to take all the usual crime prevention measures. To say it is crime free is absolute nonsense, my house has been broken into twice, probably above the average one might expect in the UK.

Archer, Dubai,

He's a Radio 1 DJ. He should be setting an example, serves him right. UAE have the right idea :P

Jamie, Maidstone, England

It is totally irrelevant how much he had on him, whether he would not have been prosecuted here in the UK, the length of sentence compared to what he would have got if he had been here in the UK.

The point is he 'BROKE THE LAW' of a country he was visiting/working in.

Robin, Darlington, England

In response to Alastair MacGregor, Dubai's comments I'd like to say that I was in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last Easter and was offered class A drugs and women within 5 minutes of being in a local bar. It's a hypocritical mess. If he thinks he is living some kind of holy life by living in a place where women can't vote etc he needs to have a cold shower. Our thoughts are with you Grooverider. Mr MacGregor, wake up.

Euan, hove, uk

Come on, these guys were nomads some decades ago, do you seriously believe that they build one city with many hotels and they jumped to the western world? Personally I believe that anyone who goes to Dubai for holiday doesn´t really know how to plan and spend a good holiday. There are thousands of cheaper and beautiful places in the world to go enjoy the sea and the sun than the boiler of Dubai where you have to breath unhealthy air-condition air 24/7. Ignore them and boycott them and educate your kids to do so as well. Not now, but for sure in few hundred years they will extinct or we will eventually buy them out.

I am really sorry for Grooverider, but that's what you get when you go to work in such places. And his sentence is not the only crazy one. God knows for what else you can be prosecuted there.

Be that a lesson for anyone who aspires earning money low tax/tax free paradises like Dubai, Singapore, Kuala-Lumbur.

Mike, Prague,

Instead of locking him up, they ought to have just deported him back to the uk, and then charged him here, as he said, the amount he had on him wouldnt even get you a caution in this country. Being locked up for 4 years in a country you dont know must be hell, and he dosnt deserve that at all.

whats the death of a radio one presenter got to do with this at all?

Dan McAuliffe, Leicester, UK

Unbelieveable! yes he should have been more careful, yes he should respect the laws of the dubai, yes, drugs are bad. But 4 years for the amount of cannibas he had on him is crazy!. I could understand it if he got caught with a couple of kilo's of the stuff, but two spliffs worth? Absolutley ridiculous sentence for the crime committed. As has already been said, deportation or a big fine would have been more appropriate.

Dj Bugzy, Northampton, England

BOYCOTT UAE & DUBAI

FREE THE GROOVE!

I personally will never go to Dubai or UAE again. Why take the risk? They will throw you in jail for picking up a blim of dope on your shoe. A note to the UK government, DO SOMETHING. GET THESE GUYS OUT OF JAIL

Concerned Citizen, UK,

The rich arab states are very friendly to western people.They are very racist against the poor labour force from India,pakistan,philipines etc who have built the cities with blood and sweat,exploited with no voice.ask them about harsh treatment .

A RAHMAN, birmingham,

Fact: The minimum sentence for use/transport/smuggling etc of Drugs in the UAE is 4 years - this is not hidden - its public knowledge and easily accessible with the stroke of a few keys.

Fact: there is almost zero crime here, certainly hardly any violent crime, and its one of the most welcoming and safe places to live in the world.

These two facts are not seperate. The DJ in question probably felt he was above the rules, and has found out to his cost that he isn't. I have no sympathy for the whiners here who complain about harsh sentences and 'inhumane treatment'. If you want to protest, stay away - frankly I would prefer anyone who disagrees with this sentence to change their holiday plans back to Ibiza, because Dubai doesn't need or want your custom.

British Christian Expat Living in Dubai, Dubai, UAE

exactly, that was a mistake to even think about going there with such stupid laws. free the rider!!!!!

dan, southampton,

It's amazing hearing comments about Dubai being a "disgrace" from people who have never visited. I have lived here for 16 years. My children were educated here and they now work here. The local people are the most polite mannerly people you could wish to meet. Only the "foreign” element let the place down. Drug users stay away.
From what I read about the UK tells me never to go back. It's highly taxed, there are too many immigrants, it's too expensive and the service is rubbish.

Alastair MacGregor, Dubai,

IMO, his attitude reflects the utter lack of personal responsibility that is underlying many of the social problems in this country.

The state are going to ever-longer lengths to ensure people no longer have to think for themselves, and become a point of blame when it all goes wrong.

Let's get back to children learning about failure and it's consequences - and taking those lessons into adulthood. Not being nannied through school into a benefit system in which they expect to be kept in the manner to which they have become accustomed.

And when you break the law - it's your fault. Deal with it.

Lee D, Reading, UK

Being a British citizen resident in the UAE, I can only say that the local people are extremely friendly, with no oppressive attitudes, to Westerners in any respect. Even the immigration personnel greet visitors with smiles and pleasantries.

If visitors wish to take drugs, they should stay in the UK where the current drug policies have resulted in a country which is full of drug addled and drunken young yobbos with crime statistics to match.

Dubai may be becoming a concrete jungle with traffic chaos to rival London but you can still walk the streets without fear!!

Ray, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The UAE is a disgrace. Shame on their hypocrisy. Don't go anywhere near the place - not a nice set up. Hope to see Grooverider back on safe shores sooner rather than later.

Euan, hove, uk

Hang on... assuming he travelled from Heathrow, shuoldnt the drugs have been found on him there?

baxter, newcastle, uk

His mistake was in agreeing to go to such a place.

JC, London,

this is to Scott from Black Rock City. If this was in Singapore would you say Asians live in another world? This man knowingly came to a country with drugs in his pocket. It is your right not to approve of the law and to say what you wish but that WE live in another world.... let me tell you it's a world of sunshine, no crime and no income tax!

Goly, DUBAI, UAE

This is madness. I cannot believe that people are defending this crazy sentence. These people are not in touch with reality. The laws in these arab countries are insane. They are a nation of bigoted hypocrites

Toby, Bristol,

The age of consent in some countries is lower than that of the UK.

Therefore, if a person from one of these countries came to the UK and slept with a 14 yaer old for example and then claimed that in his country it would not be a crime, all these people who are demending his release here, would they also be doing the same? No!

He committed a crime and he is paying for it.

A Thorn, London,

After the four year sentence will the UAE be sending Groovy on a holiday or giving him some money like we would probably do here in the UK

Mohamed, london,

"...It was a small amount. Back home I would not even get prosecuted."

Yep, that's almost certainly true. So if any enterprising foreign nationals are reading this, looking for somewhere with a ready market for drugs and minimal penalties for handling them, why not come to Britain?

We'll welcome you with open arms, and won't find out about any criminal past you may have because we'll leave all your details on a bus shortly after you arrive.

Don't forget to claim all the benefits you can when you get here - it's free money, after all - and your unemployed status will readily keep HMRC at bay.

The only thing you might have to worry about is moving your money abroad, which could attract a £30k annual non-dom tax. But that's small change in comparison to the huge profits to be reaped from Britain's rich and vibrant drug culture.

So what have you got to lose? Come to Britain! The prisons are already full anyway.

Robert James Taylor, London, UK

Poor Grooverider... the man was only gonna be there for a night or so, at the invitation of locals one assumes. 2 grams is such a small amount it was obvioulsy so he could have a little smoke while there.

It really sickens me to see so many people celebrating this sentence which after all was for a non-voilent "offence" which would only ever have affected Grooverider himself.

Cathal Mooney, Dublin, Ireland

Sending drug smugglers to prison is absolutely to be lauded and no-one is arguing that the UAE should desist from this course.

However, tourists in possession of codeine in their bloodstream, or carrying jetlag medication which is legal in Dubai are NOT drug smugglers and are the unfortunate and largely ignored casualties of this zero-tolerance policy.

Lyssa, London, UK

I think that the amounsts in question in all three of these cases hardly warrants drug smuggling intent to supply! Previous comments below seem simple-minded and contrived, and dare I say some what sheepish!
Please read about the history of hemp then maybe readers can get an understanding of how ludicrous the UAE is for enforcing such laws that persist to impnige on human rights, not to mention the government's ignorance and blatant disrespect for its environemtn! The destruction of reef ecosystems and utter ignorance at being mass polluters and aggressively pumping out green house gas , without any regard for future life on this planet....!!!! Readers PLEASE stop perpetuating this horrible status quo!!!!!

ekta, london,

Pathetic. This is cannabis people. Would you conbdone such a draconian sentance for alcohol possession? It's the same thing. Of course he was wrong but 4 years! Just proves the Arabs live in one world and we live in another.
I can see a drop in people wanting to visit Dubai. I would never go myself.

Scott , Black Rock City, nv

It's ludicrously funny how many people here think his sentence is too harsh. It is exactly your liberal view on drugs that permits rampant drug crime in the countries you write from. The man was an idiot for thinking it's ok to walk around the planet with drugs in his pocket. His 'recreational' drug habit is someone elses misery. 4 years discourages drug trafficking. It's just a pity the courts and judges are criminally soft on crime in the UK.

David Smith, Stourbridge, UK

This is an outrage, pressure your legislative and judicial system to revise these unreasonable laws.

Miguel, Ottawa, Canada

This is not a teddy-bear naming offence. It is a drug offence. The same thing is illegal here although the sentence, if any is ever passed, is significantly less. He shouldn't have had the drugs in his pocket in this country, let alone a country where he knew he'd be treated severely if he got caught.
Whilst some aspects of the UAE drug laws are questionable and innocent people could unwittingly fall foul of them, the carrying of cannabis is not confusing. It is quite clear. But again, it is an illegal drug here, so why the beef?

As for Dan's comment about "marijuana and other basically harmless drugs", try getting a job in mental health Dan. I've worked in units where the entire patient group were drug-induced schizophrenics, marijuana being their drug of choice. It is not nearly as benign as some would have us believe. To see what it can do to young people's minds is horrifying and distressing.
Consequently, this DJ has set a poor example for which he is paying an appropriate price.

Paul, Nottingham, UK

Well done to the Emiratis. If our police force won't confront the druggies, at least UAE customs will.

James, London,

The Emirates are entitled to have their own laws and to uphold them when dealing with visitors and residents. Anyone who travels is unwise not to read about any country they are visiting and thus become aware of what they can and cannot do. It is also important that they respect their hosts.

Perhaps this punishment seems harsh but the penalties are well publicised, and should come as no surprise.

One benefit of these tough laws is that Dubai, as with many other Gulf kingdoms, is an extremely welcoming and safe country to visit. Unfortunately their citizens who visit the UK are not afforded that degree of personal safety.

Neil Marshall, Doha, Qatar

60 years ago, Dubai had a poor camel-and date-palm-based economy, most people leaved in palm-leaf dwellings and there was little infrastructure. It has been transformed in a way which few other once-poor countries could emulate. The transient oil riches have been applied to help all citizens and to position Dubai for the post-oil future. It's a very welcoming and comfortable place to be, in part because of controls such as heavy anti-drug laws, designed to help ensure drug abuse never becomes a problem. Yes, by most standards the penalty is extreme; but it helps ensure the society maintains the standards it feels are best for it.

Faustino, Brisbane, Australia

Why should carrying drugs be acceptable to Dubai, just because it's acceptable to us? Just about everyone has pointed out that the law is the law and in Dubai, unlike the UK, the law is upheld.

I am sure that if you look at the number of people in jail in Dubai you'll find it's a far lower percentage than the UK - people might be jailed for too long by western standards, but I think we can all agree that when you see the pathetic sentences handed out to serious offenders in the UK, you can see we are too weak on law. I'd rather be shocked that someone got a harsher sentence, than outraged by someone getting an unjustifyably short sentence.

Catherine, Ex-Pat,

To all those who think it is too harsh a punishment then let me put it this way.

In Dubai there is not a rampant drug problem, little crime and people are safe because of zero tolerance and long prison sentences.

In the UK there is a rampant drug problem, social behavior problem, high crime rate, disrespect, hate crimes and fear because there is tolerance and sentencing is a joke.

In Dubai you get 4 years for two joints but in the UK you get 4 years for 40 kilos of heroin.

Now which system do you really want?

joe, Edinburgh, Scotland

I live in Dubai and although I agree with the strong anti-drugs stance, there are some sentences that defy belief. Yesterday in the local newspaper was a story of a maid from the Philippines being sententenced to one year in jail for dumping her new born baby in a plastic bag in a skip where it died. How does anyone get away with one year for murder? Four years for a small amount of cannabis does seem harsh by comparison but, as has been said many times in this post, when in Rome...

Mim, Dubai, UAE

Okay, maybe Grooverider shouldn't have taken any drugs into the country and it's quite correct to say that a person should respect the laws of any place which they choose to travel to. However, the punishment which has been given to the man is quite clearly inhumane and in my opinion is a crime in itself. What do you consider as a worse action - to deprive a person of their freedom for 4 YEARS of their life or to smoke a couple of joints? Only the latter is arguably not a crime.

Dan Scarry, Taipei, Taiwan

The punishment should fit the crime and in this case, it does not. A shorter sentence or fine would be suffice. I hope this prevents people from traveling there until they adjust their laws.

Tom, Toronto, Canada!

His defence of ignorance of the law and honest-gov-I-forgot-it-was-there is further proof that cannabis gives you amnesia and addles the brain.

p.s. Zen, London: If the "demoncratic states" is a portmanteau I'll get my coat.

quentin, Reading, UK

I live in Singapore where there are similar strict laws on possession of drugs particularly at the airport. It's pretty widely known and if you don't know it even says on the immigration card that there are strict penalties (including death) for carrying drugs into the country.

Four years for possessing of a really small amount of drugs does seem excessive, but as a number of commentors have said, the law is the law and naivety is not really a valid excuse much as it wouldn't be an excuse if someone was bringing drugs into Heathrow and was caught.

I am just surprised that one of Grooverider's (likely) massive entourage didn't have a look in the Lonely Planet before they travelled. Hopefully the Dubai authorities will show some clemency and let him free after a short while - I am sure the lesson is learnt and the point is made.

Matt, Singapore, Singapore

FREE THE 'RIDER!

I will happily concede that it is a gaffe of epic proportions to carry weed into a place like the UAE and not expect reprecussions, but personally, i think there should be an amnesty-zone in the airport in which travellers can dump contraband before entering the country. It's easy to get miniscule amounts of drugs on you. You better not carry UK currency into their country anyway, considering that 80% of UK £20 notes contain traces of cocaine. You could receive something much worse as a result.

You can be jailed for having a couple co-codamol to get rid of a pre-flight headache there. A woman was jailed for having cannabis in her bloodstream despite the fact it's legal in her native Amsterdam. The poppy seed case is ridiculous too. Granted, their laws should be respected, but 4 years for enough weed to get a hamster stoned is really not on.

FREE THE RIDER!

Taz, Glasgow,

After doing more reading and unearthing other similar cases, I am appalled at what I've learned. People being thrown in jail for the mandatory 4 years for having a speck of marijuana stuck to the bottom of their shoe, or two poppy seeds on their clothing from a bagel at the previous airport, etc. etc. etc.

Say what you will in defense of the UAE, but they have taken things too far, and crossed a very dangerous and unforgiving line with these types of laws and sentencing policies. Very very sad. I would think twice about ever visiting the UAE, you can be thrown in jail for 4 years without ever commiting a crime, or doing anything wrong.

Steve L., Los Angeles, USA

I've been to Dubai many times. My advice to anyone who goes there is always: "When in Rome...".

Khaled Shivji, London,

We expect visitors/foreigners to abide by our laws when they come to our country so we should abide by the laws of the countries we visit. That's why they are called 'laws'.

Until such time as they change the laws in this country and abroad most illegal drug taking is just that 'illegal & against the law'.

Live with it and don't complain when you get arrested in this country & abroad.

Robin, Darlington, England

According to a Republican, redneck friend of mine, cannabis was put on the earth by the devil and anybody who tries it is literally 'dancing with the devil'. He says anybody who uses cannabis has been possessed by demons and that drug users, according to the old testement should be 'stoned' to death and then hung, drawn and quartered. He says (with a red face) that fire and brimstone will burn the soul of anybody who even mutters the word 'cannabis'. So be warned; when talking to Republican rednecks prepare to be amused.

Andrew Nyazai, Godalming, UK

Unlike a lot of peoplewho have never set foot in Dubai, I have lived over threre and found the people the most friendly and polite you could ever hope to meet.Try walking down the streets of London late at night without always having to look over your shoulder. In Dubai you are safe 100% of the time.
Laws are laws and thankfully they are strict in Duabi for the very reason that it makes it a safe place...zero tolerence.
Unfortunately England is a joke and laws can be abused left right and centre, look at all the asbo offenders,underage drinkers etc etc. If your happy living in a society where groups of teenagers can kill innocent people then fine. This guy or his employer should have done some homework before he left, oh and playing the racsist card over there doesn't cut.
Now,if you really want a scary country to compare laws with, look at Saudi Arabia, Iworked over there and its a whole different kettle of fish. Take care where ever you choose to travel to.

Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire

The Lesson:

Learn about a country before going. If something is against the law, don't do it. If a country has a 'no-drug' policy, decide in advance if you want to get stoned or go to that country. Do both, and expect 4 years of your life to go down the hole.

For those who think outlowing pot is 'stupid,' please consider the following. It's an "introduction" drug. What percentage of people stop at just marijuana? It's small. Granted, the same can be said for alcohol; but, that leads to my next point...if you think marijuana should be legalized, work to get the laws changed, while remaining drug free. Do you think the following excuses would hold up in court? "But, the speed limit should be much higher on that road!" "But, that guy didn't really have anything to live for anyway." These excuses are thin AFTER you get busted. Change the laws now, then party it up later. Until then, it's the law. If you can't live with, expect (and accept) the consequences.

Dan'l, Portland, US/Maine

"if you need drugs to have a good night out then go to Ibiza.. if you want to relax in wonderfull surroundings and have a few beers a great night dancing..."
Marc, Camberley, England

Really, Marc? Alcohol is not a drug? Perhaps you should think about that whilst enjoying another cocktail... maybe a ciggy too.

Nate, Toronto, Canada

if you cant do the time dont do the crime.Grooverider should of known better and been more careful.

Hussain, birmingham,

4 years for a couple of joints worth . after being in prison myself and KNOWING the time people get for there crimes this is a absolute joke . peodofiles get less time for ruining a childs life .. free the RIDER....

steven, essex, uk

I agree the penalty doesn't fit the crime, but you can't go into a foreign country and break their laws. Ever.

Nancy, Whittier, California

No one should be locked up for having small (or tiny) amounts of cannabis. What will it cost to this man locked up for 4 years? Not just 4 years of his life, but also enough dollars (or euro's) to feed, educate and provide medical care for many needy children. What a waste! Prohibition of cannabis is one of the stupidest and most primitive laws anywhere.

nicholas Mcgill, bloomington, IN., uSA

To OP London, I haven't smoked hash, Maybe we should have theses laws in this soft on crime, soft on the causes of crime country

John, carlisle, England

Very harsh penalty for the amount of drugs he was carrying......very lenient punishment for that level of stupidity.

Across the globe laws vary wildly with regards to drugs and illegal drugs. Surely the simple answer is to not carry any cross-border. Each country surely has the right to it's won rules of conduct and these should be respected - or at least don't get caught flaunting them.

marc, London - the law is NO drugs - really? Have a cup of tea or coffee this morning? A wee something for the headache? A beer or a glass of wine at the weekend to relax? These are all drugs don't you know - the law is not NO drugs.

Adam, Edinburgh, UK

"The former Radio 1 DJ Kevin Greening died of a heart attack last year, aged 44, after taking large quantities of cocaine, ecstasy and the drug GHB. "

Irrelevant...

Grooverider commited a crime that is victimless in those circumstances I think Worldwide it should warrant no such degree of punishment that has been handed down to him.

Furthermore 4 years off the music scene, in a tough prison is in my eyes a violent crime against humanity ... Shame on the UAE... For punishing freedom.

Adam Webb, MK, UK

Ben Says: "Roll back this archaic, authoritarian nonsense whereever it occurs in the world."

Roll on the anarchy then?

Bet the home secretary would feel safe walking Dubai's streets at night?

stevie, london,

Cannabis, Effects: Mellow, chilled out, happy, the last thing you want to do being high is cause a disturbance, people would rather sit, eat, chill out, relax, everything opposite to alcohol. Yet because the world can tax alcohol, the DRUG that causes people to lash out, fight, throw up, and generally cause a nuisance, this drug is legal and people can go out, get smashed, be given bravery awards for fighting bouncers and can abuse police, and be told "go home mate, you've had a bit to much to drink." What happens when you have a bit too much marijuana? People go to sleep.

Yes drugs are bad but 4 years for possession of something worth just over a tenner that makes you placid? Thats just wrong!

Dan Chandler, Gloucester, England

"The U.A.E is a liberal, extremely welcoming Country " - Richard , Dubai.

Indeed it is, what with homosexuals being given forced hormone injections to cure them and travellers with four poppy seeds from a burger back home being given long prison sentences.

Simon Wilson, Oxford,

Not that I approve of drugs but 4 years jail for such a small amount is ridicules. Why would anyone want to holiday or visit such a "lawless" country is beyond my imagination.

Not even a free first class ticket and free stay at their 6 star hotel would entice me to Dubai/UAE or anywhere else in that part of the world.

george, london, uk

With a war on between demoncratic states and islamic states there is only one sensible thing to do: NEVER travel to or through an Islamic state or you may find yourself on the wrongside of their laws from the middle ages.

The irony is that if he had had a bible in his pocket he could have been punished more harshly.

Zen, London,

I wonder, perhaps he may have got off lightly?

Under Sharia law he would probably be stoned to death.

Pun not intended...

Chris, UK,

I lived in the UAE for 10 years. They have a fundamentally different view of foreigners there - you are very much guests in their country and are expected to conduct yourself as such. That means obeying the rules of the house!

In the UK we have resoundingly denounced introducing Sharia law along with UK law. How then can we criticise other nations for upholding their rules, no matter how ridiculous we think they are?

Whilst Dubai is deceptively Westernised, there are some issues that you cannot cross the line on and drugs (including alcohol) is one of them.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, to push your luck on something like this.

Graham, Slough,

You go to a foreign country, you are a guest. You insult them by assuming that because you are a visitor you are immune from thier laws. "I forgot I had them" is not a defence. it's like saying "I forgot I had this Uzi in my hand, forgot it was loaded and the safety was off, forgot that if I pointed it at someone and pulled the trigger I would kill them". Maybe he will leave his confinement drug free, and better equipped to face life without the use of narcotics.

'Relatively harmless drugs' - rubbish, all drugs are harmfull! Just because one person says 'It didn't do me any harm, I can stop any time I want' does not make it harmless. If the drugs are harmless, why do all countries see thier abuse as a problem? Drugs blur the mind, inhibit reasoning power and give a distorted view of our mortality. We already have the evidence. If we had been more informed about tobacco and alcohol when they were first invented, do you think we would still be using them now?

Ron, Milton Keynes, Bucks

This is a disgrace, yes we should respect other countries laws, but as Simon commented the punishment should fit the crime and this a petty excuse for a crime if one at all.

Four years in prison, what are Riders family meant to do while this joke continues and where is the support from our government.

Also Radio One!! I'm sure a youth orientated station would recognise that someone who truly has been positive role model for years, pushing the music he pushes, helping young producers like myself and my friends break onto radio when they would otherwise be ignored, he is a great role model to me and thousands of young people around the world and a little bit of weed won't change that! We are not that narrow minded.

Grooverider is a good man and those who have had the pleasure to meet him will know this.

As for people who would call him a cretin....well...very good of you to kick someone when they're down. Your pathetic!!

FREE THE RIDER!!!

Daniel, Leicester/Newcastle, UK

For crying out loud people, it was a tiny lump of hash. Who hasn't smoked a bit in their time? Yes, he should be punished, but really, 4 years?! That is frankly absurd.

Having been a great admirer of Grooverider down the years I find this very sad. I'm not his biggest fan these days, but I will say this: long live Prototype.

The Prototype Years are over now...

OP, London,

I can understand both sides of the argument-very harsh but ignorance is no defence. However, come on! 4 years??? I know it's a different culture but this is way too harsh. Dont fool for all that 'you smoke cannibis so you must also be a crack head and mug grannies' scaremongering. Cannibis should be treated on a par with nicotine and alcohol-about as bad for you as them with as many side effects (probably less, in fact) etc. Crack and heroin are on a totally different level. It's like comparing overproof Jamaican rum to shandy. Ridiculous!
Ok, he had a bit of weed in his pocket. He was very foolish. He was not causing any one any harm in any way, shape or form though and I am certain that he was not going to be selling it, just using it. You cant treat somone who did what grooverider did and someone with a few kilos of class a's with the intention of selling it equally.

ChrisW, lewisham, london

Grooverider has clearly made a huge mistake, and it's hard to feel too much sympathy for him...

Nevertheless, I would much prefer it if the sadists rejoycing at his sentence were over there in the UAE, and he was back here in the UK.

Remember, smoking a bit of spliff is a victimless crime, and incarcerating someone for 4 years is an inherently violent act- let's try and reduce the violence in the world.

Those who agree to drug prohibition intrinsically agree to letting the state into your home and your body. Do you have no dignity?

Roll back this archaic, authoritarian nonsense whereever it occurs in the world.

Ben, London,

There is a quite a good chance that he will be released soon; the American music producer Dallas Austin was given a four-year prison term in Dubai last year for possession of cocaine, but he was released a few days later.

Karl Chads, London, UK

Ignorance of the law is no excuse and he should pay the full price. They are the same people who in their mind and that of others (sometimes including political figure) that they're role model and no wonder the streets of London and other cities in the UK are litres with drugs addicts and dealers.

Cecil, London,

Terrible terrible thing to happen to this young man at the height of his carreer. Tragic. BUT drugs cause a substantial amount of problems in this country in terms of mental health and drug related crime. We are stupid enough to glamourise them by revering the likes of Kate and Pete, Amy Winehouse to name but 3. Maybe, just maybe if we were as hardline Great Britain would be a much better place to live. Think about it, no more crack head stabbings, no more Abigail Witchalls horror stories, people of the benefit sytstem, families not broken up and destroyed, young girls not turning to prostitution. Can only be a good thing surely?

Sunita Russell, Northwood, Middlesex

This guy was very foolish.
What is the point of having laws if people are going to make a joke out of the system like they do over here.
As for people moaning about other country's drug laws: go to Ibiza or elsewhere where they are more tolerant.

RichH, Harrow, London,

I have been in the U.A.E for 3 years and am most disheartened by the western attitude that we are right and all should abide by our rules.

The U.A.E is a liberal, extremely welcoming Country and whilst somewhat westernised and at the forefront of almost everything they chance their arm at (tourism, finance, property) they have managed to maintain a lot of their traditional values which they are (quite rightly) extremely proud of. Although against Shariah law, alcohol is allowed (to non muslims) an indication of' the tolerance of the Country.

Crime rates in the U.A.E are minimal, no junkies, no crack babies, no mugging, stabbings in the playground, no endless line of wasters bleeding the country dry. If only the UK??

Drugs are illegal and the mandatory sentence for possession/consumption of a banned substance is 4 years. Grooverider was warned profusely of this by the promoter of the event yet chose to ignore it.

Is it the U.A.E Governments fault he is clearly a cretin

Richard , Dubai,

Absolute sham ,the UAE needs to sort out its laws so the punishment fits the crime , i know for a fact a lot of djs wont be going there. free grooverider.

simon tobias, torquay, united kingdom

Grooverider deserves all he gets. Drugs are not only illegal in the UAE but an insult on their culture...like it or not. To flaunt their laws and turn your nose up at their culture is stupid and disrespectful. The BBC should sever all connections with this fool as to continue to air his shows is to condone his behaviour. Remember, although the Police here may not charge you for being in possession of a small amount of cannabis, it is still illegal in the UK as well.

Tom Anderson, Glasgow, UK

I think its bloody outrageous 4 yrs for not even a speckle. How stupid FREE GROOVERIDER!

Miss J, Surrey ,

Unlike here "life" means life and "no drugs" means no drugs.
He should have checked his pockets before he left UK. Perhaps he could have handed his cannabis to a passing customs officer on his way out.

CA, Manchester, UK

Lord B you are a numpty.

This case is merely representative of the ridiculous position on drugs that almost EVERY country has. Dubai may be one of the more extreme cases, but almost every country criminalises marijuana and other basically harmless drugs whilst benefitting from the vast economic gains to be had from more dangerous drugs such as nicotine, alchohol and a myriad of prescription painkillers, anti-depression pills, anti-anxiety pills etc. etc.

This instance is just one of many where people have been caught up in a ludicrous fall out of archaic laws which are not reviewed and repealed not because they are sensible and just, but because of cowardly politians cowering to an ill informed and zealotary public.

Dan, Birmingham,

I have no sympathy at all for grooverider he knew the rules and what would happen if he got caught it not like its the first time he has gone to Dubai all travelers who go t know that some perscription drug will get you locked up.forgot it was in his pocket not buying that one

andrew , brighton , uk

Although I agree some of the quantity of drugs people are being caught with are ridiculous, Grooverider admitted to having a spliff in his pocket that he said he "forgot about". Then claiming ignorance about drug laws simply isn't good enough. If you travel abroad, especialy outside Europe, carry drugs and get caught you can expect harsh treatment. You cannot expect to be treated as you are in the UK, or expect your celebrity to waive local laws. He was either arrogant or poorly informed.

He complained that the British Consulate were doing little to get him out. But that fact of the matter is that there's nothing he or they can do having being caught, unless he knows someone in county who can get him out. Although I doubt anybody in authority in the UAE has ever heard of him.

I sympathise with him and hope the Dubai governement show some leniency, though I doubt this will be the case. They will want to get their message across.

Kevin, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Free the Grooverider!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Alex Dicken, Manchester, UK

Anyone who plays abrasive dance music should be locked up and throw away the key , in my opinion, hmph!

Lord B, London,

Dubai is a gem in the middle east, thet are pooring millions of $ into making it one of the best holiday and night club spots in the world...

if you need drugs to have a good night out then go to Ibiza.. if you want to relax in wonderfull surroundings and have a few beers a great night dancing and then go back to your hotel with no trouble or fear that some drunken yob is going to start somthing then Dubai is perfect..

people know the law, and there is no reason to break it in such a wonderfull place..

Marc, Camberley, England

Well, it´s worth in Thailand, where you can get life sentence (if you are lucky) or death sentence (most of the cases)if you are caught with only a single little joint in your pockets. I was there the 2 last weeks for holidays and I was always in panic at the airport. Always checking my luggage, bags..., so no one could introduce anything into them.

Its a pitty because Thailand is really a dreamland but such laws are just disgusting because they dont let you enjoy your holidays properly.

Juan Andres Torreno Pina, Munich,

Dunno why anyone bothers visiting these medieval enclaves and helps buoy up their attempts at a post oil economy.

Drugs are illegal and the laws of any country should be respected, but these people aren't even interested in being part of modern civilisation.

Boycott the middle east.

Kevin Egan, London, England

I am a big fan of Grooverider and am deeply upset to hear about this nonsense. Whilst laws in other countries need to be respected this just shows how backwards some of the middle east is! If they want our tourism and our stars to perform for them maybe they should cut us some slack and respect some of our ways of life! It's all one way with these foreign relationships and it's about time this government manned up.

He was obviously a little naive to underestimate the Dubai authorities, I certainly wouldn't risk it, but when you break it down, this is the world of the i-pod, designer drugs and binge drinking. Can anyone honestly tell me the Sheiks aren't getting involved?

Michael Olver, Hatfield, England

serves him right
people today think they can do exactly what they like
' i wasnt aware of the law'
the law is NO drugs

marc, london, uk

Any idiot can get caught with drugs at customs coming into any country. The problem with Dubai is threefold:

1. The amount of time you can spend in jail without even being charged (i.e. if they just THINK something you're carrying MIGHT be illegal) can easily be several months.

2. taking a couple of codeine before you get on the plane and having it show up in a urine test is as illegal as carrying a crack pipe.

3. Walking near someone eating a bread roll/smoking a joint and getting a microscopic amount on your clothing can also land you a 4-year stretch.

The short version: stay the hell away from Dubai and the UAE if you value your freedom!

Kieran Hartnett, London, UK

Ridiculous, it won't be long before Dubai jails are full of people who have stood on a joint butt, eaten a seeded bun or been prescribed class z drugs. I'm also really looking forward to Mr Browns re-classification of cannibis to add to the confusion and general mis-education of drugs. These mixed messages are another screw-up the government will be remembered for rather than breaking the 'mould' and tackling the problem. It's been mentioned a few times before but maybe we should try another approach. "Education, education, education."

P, Bristol,

Perhaps it should be illegal here as well. Serves him right!

JohnC, Warwick, UK

It seems to me that most of the people who have commented on the link 'poppy seeds' are the same people who get incandescent about imigrants to this country showing no respect for our laws. When in Rome...

Phil Fraser-Brenchley, Aberdeen, U

Ignorance is no defence.

The law of the land is the law, be it in the UK or UAE.

Harry, Gravesend, UK

Awful, awful news. Such a ridiculous sentece for the crime. Hope they pardon him early but really can't see that happening. Good luch Groove

J, Liverpool, Merseyside