(Amsterdam, NL) - The decision of the Dubai federal court to sentence BBC 1 jock Grooverider to four years in jail has caused a shock-wave in the international dance industry. Grooverider was arrested on 23 November for smuggling 2.16 grams of cannabis in his pockets.

On 19 February, Grooverider was given a four year-term, the minimal sentence for drug possession in the conservative United Arab Emirates. The 40 year-old DJ admitted that the drugs were in his possession, although he claims that he forgot he had them in his trousers. The news has tingled tongues in the international dance industry where drugs have always been a hot topic, and has resulted in an avalanche of comments thus far:

“He made a serious mistake and is paying a very high price” (BBC spokesman).

"This is the minimum that you get by law but we will do our best, especially since he confessed and has cooperated with the authorities" (defence lawyer Mohammed Suweidi).

“We are offering consular assistance to Grooverider,” (Simon Goldsmith from the British Embassy in Dubai)

""Personally I feel its the artists responsibility to be aware of the local customs and how strict certain territories are - stuff you can get away with back in the UK won't be turned a blind eye to in other areas of the world. The fact that it was a "leftover" joint or whatever is no excuse - you should pack your luggage appropriately." (DJ Paul Sparkes)

"Everybody knows Dubai is a drug free country but it's pure intimidation and nervousness when you fly somewhere knowing that someone might ask you to strip just because your eyes are red after a long flight. It definitely now discourages international DJs from coming here.” (Anonymous Dubai promoter)

"What really frightens me is that people with as little as 0,002gr of marijuana, which is something that could actually get stuck under you shoe, are being arrested and sentenced to prison for 4 years. Even if you don't use anything at all, as a DJ, promoter, club owner, etc, we are in an environment where drug use is hard to deny; without knowing you could actually pick up traces of illegal substances. The risk of actually getting arrested for something as silly as that would definitely make me think twice about accepting a gig in Dubai or any other region with similar policies." (Eelke Kleijn, DJ/producer)

"Although a booming city loaded with expatriates and tourists, Dubai still remains an Arabic country with some strict laws and regulations. Going out hardly differs from any major city in the world, there's an abundance of clubs and bars, filled with drunk and scarcely dressed party-goers. The rules are generally more strict for people residing in the UAE than for those happy ones visiting. The zero-tolerance drug policy is one that applies for everyone though: having any traces of illegal substances on your possessions or on and in your body gets you a mandatory 4-year free-ride in the local prison. The fact that a lot of people do not consider when travelling to, for that matter, any country, is that having traces of these illegal substances is your blood or urine constitutes possessing. In other words, it does not really matter whether that piece of THC is found in your pocket or in your blood. Another thing to be considered is the list of restricted medication in UAE ( uae.usembassy.gov/restricted_medication_.html ) - these substances count for drugs as well. The case of Grooverider is just one of the many - it is said that in average nine people per day get caught at Dubai International Airport by violating the drugs law."(Minna Lehto, Dubai resident)

Further comments are not yet available. BBC 1 has stated to 365Mag that " the case is a legal matter and might be appealed. Grooverider is paying a very high price for a serious mistake. The show will continue to be presented by Fabio and Radio 1 will review the situation when Grooverider has completed his sentence."

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