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Briton 'freed' in Dubai after being found with 'too many pills' | Briton 'freed' in Dubai after being found with 'too many pills' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A British man detained in Dubai who claimed he was being denied treatment for prostate cancer has been freed, according to a campaign group. | A British man detained in Dubai who claimed he was being denied treatment for prostate cancer has been freed, according to a campaign group. |
Perry Coppins, 61, was stopped by customs officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 1 November for having "too many pills" on him. | Perry Coppins, 61, was stopped by customs officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 1 November for having "too many pills" on him. |
He said he was carrying legal anti-anxiety medication and prescription documents for a six-month ship voyage. | He said he was carrying legal anti-anxiety medication and prescription documents for a six-month ship voyage. |
Detained in Dubai (DiD) said charges against him have now been dropped. | Detained in Dubai (DiD) said charges against him have now been dropped. |
Mr Coppins told the BBC that he was "exhausted" following the "tough" experience. | Mr Coppins told the BBC that he was "exhausted" following the "tough" experience. |
"I can't wait to get on that plane," he said. | "I can't wait to get on that plane," he said. |
"I am furious about my treatment here. It has just been too much." | "I am furious about my treatment here. It has just been too much." |
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The maritime security officer, from Eastwood in Nottinghamshire, was due to complete six months' work on a ship. | The maritime security officer, from Eastwood in Nottinghamshire, was due to complete six months' work on a ship. |
He said he was carrying a supply of Temazepam, Clonazepam and Citalopram to last for the duration of the posting. | He said he was carrying a supply of Temazepam, Clonazepam and Citalopram to last for the duration of the posting. |
The drugs are legal in the UAE when carried with prescription documentation, but despite having the papers he was jailed for five weeks. | The drugs are legal in the UAE when carried with prescription documentation, but despite having the papers he was jailed for five weeks. |
Mr Coppins was diagnosed with prostate cancer following his arrest and was denied medical treatment while in custody, DiD said. | Mr Coppins was diagnosed with prostate cancer following his arrest and was denied medical treatment while in custody, DiD said. |
Despite being due to face trial on 15 January, DiD said his passport has now been returned and the charges against him dropped. | Despite being due to face trial on 15 January, DiD said his passport has now been returned and the charges against him dropped. |
The group's chief executive Radha Stirling welcomed the decision, and said it was "a misjudgement" that turned into a "life-threatening situation" for Mr Coppins. | The group's chief executive Radha Stirling welcomed the decision, and said it was "a misjudgement" that turned into a "life-threatening situation" for Mr Coppins. |
The campaigners said Mr Coppins was "cash-strapped" after spending his savings on legal expenses. | The campaigners said Mr Coppins was "cash-strapped" after spending his savings on legal expenses. |
Mr Coppins's daughter Pia had said denying her father cancer treatment was "like giving him a death sentence". | Mr Coppins's daughter Pia had said denying her father cancer treatment was "like giving him a death sentence". |
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office had been providing Mr Coppins with consular assistance. | The Foreign and Commonwealth Office had been providing Mr Coppins with consular assistance. |