ATLANTA — A Navy veteran from Covington, Georgia, is facing years in prison after being arrested in Dubai over his prescribed medication, the organization Detained in Dubai stated on Sunday.
According to those pushing for his release, 52-year-old Charles Wimberly suffered from a degenerative joint disease and was prescribed CBD along with Ibuprofen to combat pain. They add he was scheduled for surgery in November, with a six-month recovery time.
Advocates state that on Sept. 27, Charles was pulled aside by airport security during a pre-departure screening, where the Ibuprofen and CBD oil were found. Despite presenting his prescriptions, advocates say he was locked up in jail.
“Charles had unfortunately been provided with some misinformation on the internet in respect of prescription medicine. He thought he was abiding by the law but is now facing a possible 3+ year sentence for ‘trafficking’ his own prescription meds," Detained in Dubai said in a statement.
The organization is now attempting to contact representatives to get involved with Mr. Wimberly's case.
For the time being, the family of the Georgia veteran is worried he could miss his surgery and that his health could be in jeopardy if not released. Detained in Dubai notes that he has been granted bail but cannot leave the country.
11Alive has reached out to the State Department for more information.
Detained in Dubai is an organization founded by Radha Stirling, human rights advocate, crisis manager and policy consultant, focusing on the UAE and the wider Middle East.
