Dubai Didn’t Care About His Prescription – Now This Veteran Faces a Major Legal Battle!

A U.S. Navy veteran is facing an uncertain future behind bars in Dubai after airport authorities discovered his prescribed medication during a routine security check. Charles Wimberly, 52, who has been managing PTSD and a degenerative joint condition, was detained at Dubai International Airport on September 27. The cause of his detention? Officers found prescription Ibuprofen and CBD oil in his luggage, both of which are legal in the U.S. but prohibited in the United Arab Emirates without prior approval.

Although Wimberly presented prescriptions for both medications, he was accused of drug trafficking. Now, the Navy veteran, originally from Georgia, faces a possible three-year prison sentence. His trip to Dubai, which began on September 21, had been one of sightseeing and relaxation. But when the airport security check flagged his prescriptions, the tone of his journey quickly changed.

Stranded While Awaiting Trial

Wimberly relies on his medication to cope with severe chronic pain and PTSD. Despite presenting medical documentation, Dubai officials detained him and withheld his medication, leading to further health complications. “Charles was locked up and deprived of his prescription medication, as well as meds to manage his diabetes and sleep apnea, causing him to suffer a diabetic episode,” said Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, a group working to help Wimberly.

Though he was eventually granted bail, Wimberly’s ordeal is far from over. He cannot leave Dubai and must pay out-of-pocket for hotel stays, legal fees, and medical care while awaiting trial. “The process itself is the punishment,” Stirling added. “Charles cannot afford the unexpected hotel, medical, or legal bills.”

Health and Family Concerns

Wimberly’s health has deteriorated as he awaits resolution. Beyond his physical ailments, the emotional toll is becoming unbearable. A critical surgery he had scheduled back in the U.S. has been missed, and his family is increasingly worried. His daughter, in particular, fears for his well-being. “My PTSD is at a very high level right now. I’m so tired of crying. I can’t stop shaking,” Wimberly shared, adding that he feels lost without access to proper treatment.

Coming from a military family—his father served in the U.S. military, and his brother is in the Air Force—Wimberly’s ordeal is deeply affecting his loved ones. His legal team and supporters are calling for his immediate release, emphasizing that without intervention, his health and situation could worsen quickly. They stress that the veteran’s situation is a result of misunderstanding, not criminal intent, and are urging for compassion and swift action from authorities.

Uncertain Future

As Wimberly remains trapped in a foreign country, his future remains unclear. While his legal team works tirelessly to resolve the issue, the strain on his mental and physical health continues. The hope is that through increased attention to his case, officials will recognize the severity of his condition and allow him to return home safely.

His supporters are rallying for him, pointing out that his possession of medication was for personal use, with legitimate prescriptions. Now, all eyes are on Dubai’s legal system to see how Wimberly’s case will unfold, as the veteran endures a harrowing wait.