To reply to the comment that cannabis should not be illegal, working as a mental health professional i have seen numerous occasions when it has been linked to (caused) a deterioration in a persons mental health, psychosis, schizophrenia etc are not funny. I hope that he serves the complete four years and on release looks to promote the harmful effects of illicit drugs. Get educated about drugs and the harm they cause, but then if you're a user you will always find the arguments to support yourself.

Mark, Stafford, UK

I wonder if he were white would Radio 1 showed a little more support than they have?

Robyne, Vista , USA

I travelled through Dubai in September for a photoshoot. One of the models we booked was caught with 0.01 g of cannabis and was jailed for 4 years. He told me that the Sheik's nephew was also in the prison - he had 4500 ecstasy pills on him, and it was his 3rd offence. He was in prison 'to teach him a lesson' but was allowed back to the palace at weekends. shocking.

Chas Bayfield, London, UK

As a professional musician I would condone a complete boycott of Dubai entertainment industry.
We don't need their money.
Cannabis shouldn't even be illegal in the UK let alone anywhere else. It is a personal issue.

If Dubai wants to milk western expats for cash (because their oil is running out) then they should lose the extremist religious attitudes behind their pseudo moderate version of Islam. It is a sham.
Locals would get whipped if they joined in with the westerners.
Basic civil liberties could be a start. And legalizing political parties.
Shame on the BBC for not standing up for Grooverider.

JC Pandy, London, UK

i have traveled thru the middle east and several other countries as an entertainer with people like paul van dyke and ferry corsten. i have also worked in many other non-western countries for large shows. when i go to these places, im working, and i play the game. cause no trouble and stay polite. i dont regard myself to be above the law. groove is no different, and while this is unfortunate to happen it does nothing for the image of performers who work internationally. the same thing could well happen in beijing, japan or taiwan. its simply a question of respect...

VJ freeform one, taipei, taiwan

hes gonna be missed by all of us true junglist at the raves, especially the national dnb awards this saturday. Keep ya head up grooverider, you'll be spinnin them decks again before you know it...BIG RESPECT!!!

Jamie Kirk, beeston, notts, England

Totally agreed that custodial sentences imposed by the UAE are absurdly high compared to the crime committed….Rape & drug use carry similar sentences - how can we compare the two?

However it’s still an uber -conservative Muslim country .. .anyone with an ounce of savvy should realise the stupidity of trying to (unknowingly or knowingly) import prohibited substances into the country. He's not in Ibiza.

Whether you agree or disagree with it's law whilst in the country you have to play by the rules. Millions of ex-pats seem to manage it fairly well.

Whilst I don’t condone such strict ruling it’s a shame that we aren't half as strict in the UK....gun crime could be wiped out and London streets would a little safer to walk down at night.

Louise, The Maldives, The Maldives

can not belive that this has happened, with all the serious crime and terrorism goin on u would think they would have better things 2 do. lets see him home and soon,best wishes groove!?!

phil gordon, bampton, devon, england

Do his time like a man and serve as a deterrent for others in future. He was briefed beforehand therefore the promoter is fully entitled to sue. Grooverider let down thousands of people who paid good money to see him. The pornographer as well? Classy very classy.

Adrian Anderson, Amersham, England

I am absolutely out raged at this. For anyone whom tries to justify this with rants of, the laws the law, what a lame one liner which has no merit. He has harmed absolutely no one, and done nothing intentionally. At the same time he accidentally had a minuscule amount of a low grade drug on him, which could't harm anyone or deal with (most laws recognise this, not UAE) someone was conciously hurting another man, and receiving less of a sentence. That, is NOT logical, fair or justice.

Kris Silver, London,

Crazy, I hope this puts off people from going there. If they want our investment they need to tolerant us, warts and all. The society that Grooverider comes from is a tolerant one. I hope the BBC makes a song and dance (no pun intended) about this, so we can get him out and back to London

Antony, London, UK

The reading is amazing- as a matter of interest a friend and fellow student in Leeds Yorkshire UK in 1969 got banged up for 2 months awaiting trail in Risley remand centre with murders and such likes for about the same amount of charge - least you all forget.
It is illegal here and tollerance takes a while to develop.
There were casualties even in the UK-brothers.
We are not in a developed society here in the UAE-however all you youngsters - who have not made the trip -the authorities here :- still black out cleavages in magazines and news papers and TV programmes have no deep throat kissing-
that's Dubai- which is tollerant when compared to Saudi-
Especially if you are a woman-you can get an education and drive in Dubai-great.
Locals are rich though and the place is full of Chinese hookers-beer is about 5 quid a pint 25 quid a ticket too at the Lodge - wow expensive or what?? but it does have no roof on the dance floor!!! Maybe the Groover will become a resident ha ha

Dr.Keith Skelton, Dubai, UAE

Well it serves him right if he does go to jail, smuggling drugs across borders is just plain stupid, even in small amounts, he has only got himself to blame. I hope for his sake some big lifer doesn't make him his 'special' friend.

Chris, London, England

4 YEARS!!! thats taking the biscuit. the idea of a jail sentence at all is just stupid. the whole case is crap. jailed, for a small amount of cannabis, no matter where or who you are that case is so weak. a waste of time money on everyones behalf. and porn lol. this is the internet...

sort it out,do what has to be done but dont put someone in the nik bcause theyve found a spliff in his record bag. its crazy.

if this happend every time, there wouldnt be any dj's left.

makes my blood boil.

William South, Reading,

I've just been reading about this and i have to say Dubai will have to change its stance if it does not want jails overun with people with trace amounts of prohibiited substances. This is only 1 case of many when the person could not have checked that they were clean.One person says should have known better but i think they would be insane if they knew they had as little as 0.003g(case of UK citizen serving 4 years) invisible to the naked eye on their shoe. I will never fly Emirates again as i only want a stop-over to change planes there not 4 years free board because someone dropped a micro-amount of canabis on the ground and it ended up on my shoe. Someone must see SENSE oh silly me i forgot its the crazy law gang and we must all be punished for our excesses unless your part of it.

David Mcgroover, Glasgow , Scotland

He should have known better. However, the punishment does not fit the crime. In the UAE the punishment for drug possession is inordinately high when compared to punishment given for crimes such as rape.

Bob the Builder, Sharjah, UAE

Surely the headline should have been "Hardcore Junglist" ?

Mat, London,

I can't believe the comment made by Andrew Blair in Dubai. 'i hope he gets jail'?! Fair enough the law is the law and he should have respected that, but surely the police in dubai can find a better use for their resources than busting a guy for having a spliff! I think it's pathetic.

Jack Imbert-Terry, Swindon, UK

He knew the score like everyone else that visits Dubai and if he didnt then he should learn his laws before he visits somewhere. I hear theres a back log in Dubai at present with court cases, tough luck mate!!

Dave Smith, London, England

nah let him go im goin to overload n need him there!!!!

big h , yate, england

THE LAW IS THE LAW - THE ONE THING WHICH MAKES THE UAE GREAT IS THE NOTION THAT; IF YOU BREAK OUR LAW YOU GO TO JAIL. Thank god they arent soft like the UK, where every foreigner and his dog know they will get an easy ride and i know because im British. I hope he gets jail.

Andrew Blair, Dubai, UAE

Just how much cannabis did he have in his record bag? Could have been minute traces for all we know... same goes for the so called ' pornography ' . What exactly constitutes porn to a Dubai customs officer ? . YES..... he was dumb for doing what he did . But he is human after all ......and makes mistakes just like the rest of us.

Andy, London, U.K.

Four years for a bit of draw and a couple of pornos? It's absurd. How is he harming anyone at all?

harry, cambridge, cambridgshire

The only way around this is for the bbc to look at the way the UAE has made the bans to one of its djs, and tbh to make the bans themselves. the grooverider should be swinging the flag for britain, making the bass and the monies, not getting the bans for crimes. hopefully this is all just TBTC, and not meaning that Grooverider has shut us all down.

farfs, Vgroots, Slovenia,

Excellent news !!
Give the cop a job at Heathrow !!

Dave, Doha, Qatar

Grooverider .... mighty daft my man but hope this all works out.

We need a petition to the UAE Embassy, people ... people power counts. Stop making smart-ass comments about this all, fact is he's top of his game, the promoter should shut up (shout out to Derrick May) and trying to suggest that the Minister of Justice in the UAE is down with the dance music scene and will just let things slide is a load of rubbish ... send nice, polite emails to the UAE Embassy.

Big up the Grooverider!

G-Foo

Geezer Foo, Taipei,

The bbc are like some dictatorship,"decline to comment" every time they are put in an awkward position. And less repeats on radio 4. SORT IT!

teki, Birkenhead, UK

Before I condemn either the Emerati authorities or the DJ...I have to ask the question about what tipped them off to him. Obviously we are going under the assumption that he had a couple of doobies in his bag or did he simply have trace amounts from being previously carried in the bag. Obviously if he had mary jane in his system then he had partaken of he golden blossom sometime before he arrived. As for the porn...thats a pretty general charge. Where they questionable videos or simply some Maxim or FHM material. Now if he had Girls Gone Wild in Ibiza or something that's a whole other kettle of fish. Also in the Dallas Austin case that everyone keeps bringing up. He didnt walk up in there with a kilo...he had trace amounts of a substance chemically similar to cocaine in his toiletry bag. He got off because the charge was suspect from what I read. It was also damage control because they want to attract people who party in a drug atmosphere.

Theresa, DC, USA

Maybe the UAE need to accept the fact that Ray has made a mistake and that a conflict of laws has brought about the misunderstanding. The precence of cannabis in his urine is irrelevant as smoking cannabis in the UK isn´t illegal as opposed to possesion which is.
He is one the drum and bass genres most important artists and label owners and the Dubai Criminal court need to realise how unreasonable they are being.

Will Wright, Fulham, London

Or maybe he will get a royal pardon seconds before sentencing like Dallas Austin the music producer behind Madonna, Janet Jackson, Pink and more. Dallas was on his way to Naomi Campbells private birthday at the Burj al Arab with a small amount of cocaine but was pardoned by a royal just moments before the judge laid his immediate future.

Luke from Dubai, Cumbria,

most of us smoke weed...and most of us like porn...so what....
in jail for basic freedom ?..4years for what .....absurd.......
UEA..... get a life ...

tom, london town, uk

What about the muslims from Dubai who use prostitutes in the sidestreets off the Edgware Road? Or aren't we allowed to talk about them?

Laura Roberts, London, London

:( i hope they deport him.

we need grooverider!

Omar Fernandez, Caracas, Venezuela

Will Tom Taylor-Duxbury be missed if he is imprisoned?
I doubt he has contributed an iota to society compared to Grooverider's significant contribution to the music scene.

Toffrider, London, UK

"Stupid'"doesn't even come close to describing Grooveriders actions! If he was warned about the laws of the country prior to travelling then it serves him right. He should take responsibility for his actions and face the consequences. I hope they make an example of him

Ian, London, UK

Groove!! Our love is with you and although yeah, was foolish and have to respect laws of other countries, I agree 100% with dave Angel...much love sent your way and hope you are alright..as much as you can be right now..

Big ups Sir ;)) and never do that shennan's again LOL that better have been some super porn and weed!

Dylan and Robyn xx

Robyn Chaos, Philly / London / wherever,

His head may be bigger than planet Jupiter, but hes one of the few whos pioneered drum n bass since day dot

Lets be adults. Fine him & send him home.

Chris, Basingstoke UK,

Hey yo Rider, you're in my thoughts. Just listening to you and Fabio talk about 300 the film and the DJ Vapour tune on a mix I saved. Missin' your show, hope things work out as good as they can for you.

Jon Bagman, Newark, New Jersey

Yes, it was foolish to bring things like that into the UAE
But lets remember he is stuck in a foreign country in a cell, all alone and most probably scared, so lets not slate him and put down his djing ,as this is not in question here, send positive thoughts out and if you haven't got anything good to say, say nothing!!
Groove, were thinging of you Bro and stay strong like the warrior you are!!

Dave Angel, swindon, wiltshire

It's a shame this has to happen, he's not hurting anyone by doing this, I love his radio show, and you have to realise that he hasnt only missed the Dubai show. Drum n Bass is a 24/7 scene with high profile dj's like groove playing maybe 3-4 shows a week; he was meant to be playing Birmingham on the 1st which i was at and also payed £25. The promoter should realise that dnb is a scene that is laced in things like cannabis, it's unfortunate, but it's ture.

4 Years for this!!! Outrageous.....Free the Groove!

Jack Merralls, Leamington Spa, Midlands, UK

Grooverider is as good at drug smuggling as he is at djing..
I don't think they actually found drugs, they just saw his selection for the party...
P.S. "Grooverider" - real name 'Raymond" tee hee..

Ben, Dover,

I think the promoter should shut his mouth he sounds like hes trying to save his own ass by putting Groove out there on his own even more....Groove is in enough trouble as it is ....stay strong bra...

Derrick May , Detroit , Michigan

He is famous? I'd hardly consider him famous outside of a small scene.

He was quite stupid to bring marijuana with him; had this just been about pornography I would be more sympathetic to his situation but even if you smoke marijuana, it is extremely foolish to bring it with you when traveling by airplane to foreign countries.

In spite of that, the Middle East is infamous for its harsh and unfair legal systems; we are seeing a trend where culturally ignorant citizens of more liberal countries are traveling to the Middle East's Islamofascist states, committing relatively minor crimes, and then receiving incredibly harsh sentences rather than just being deported.

Teddy Bear Teacher is a recent example of this, and I for one don't think that we should let citizens of our nations languish in foreign jails known for cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners. We should make it a policy to always push for deportation in cases where a relatively minor crime has been committed.

Samuel, Osaka, Japan

I wish laws were followed more closely in the unites states.. i mean hell UAE can stop drugs and our gov cant? O wait i forgot its obvious the us government could care less about illegal drug use.

bate, baltimore, md

why go to UAE!!! dont give your money to these oil countries, they have enough......it was a small amount of weed!

mike, miami, fl

It's a form of arrogance and equally stupid to assume that the rules do not apply to you. Dubai is a great place if you are prepared to play by the rules. It is intolerant of drugs, drunkeness, porn and bad behaviour. We have the 'freedom' to indulge all of these practices in the West but is our society any better for it? In Dubai people are polite, tolerant and the risk of being a victim of crime is very low. We have much to learn from this.

Mark DBX, Dubai, UAE

Good grief. Use common sense people. If something is illegal in the US or UK (i.e. drugs), it is probably not going to fly in the UAE. And what did he think would happen if he was caught with porn in a part of the world where a woman flashing her ankles can face criminal sanctions? If he faces some jail time I am ok with that (although 4 years seems excessive). However to the person who said they were cool if he was executed, have a heart. Just because he lacks common sense does not mean he deserves to die. Tourists going to Arab countries should realize that they are subject to a very harsh legal system, but at the same time countries like the UAE who solicit western tourists dollars and business relationships need to moderate some of their more brutal punishments.

John, Virginia, USA

Not decrying the stupidity but the last time I visited Emirates I was shocked at the open prostitution of imported chinese and african girls in the locally owned bars. Its all there for the nomenklatura, muslim or otherwise. Only the dual standards and hypocrisy shocks me. Perhaps it shouldn't as it's a global phenomenon. Perhaps this individual thought he had a "fast-track" pass?

Paul Hulatt, Pak Chong,

Sorry but as an expat living in Dubai, I have to tell you some of these comments are totally wrong. Women aren't expected to cover up, they are a very forward thinking nation and I hardly think you can call one of the most prosperous regions in the world backwards.
Although its a muslim country the laws are anything but draconian, so as in any other country if you break the law you will be arrested.

Mari, Dubai, UAE

"Here's a suggestion... Don't go to Dubai! They are a Fundy nation. Why support them and their backward ways? I'm surprised they let people dance. "

Have you ever been there? Dubai is a very tolerant society within the limits of its own laws. Women do not have to cover up. Alcohol is freely available and legal. It has a western big city feel to the place.

Bahrain is even more tolerant. The upper house has representatives from all religious groups, even Jews. There are also women representatives. It is safe and pleasnt to live here. Ask any of the tens of thousands of US Navy personnel that have been stationed here.

If a guy can't live without porn for a few days it is very sad. He deserves everthing he gets.

David, Manama, Bahrain

Know what's more stupid than Grooverider? The authorities who run the United Arab Emirates. Any culture that harshly punishes victimless crimes, is an evil culture to the degree it engages in that kind of law enforcement.

Kraig T, Chino Hills, CA

Dubai is a beautiful city but the drug laws are very strict. Is a 4-year prison sentence really justified for traces of marijuana?

The strict punishments do deter drug use, however. When I was in the clubs asking around for some bud people were telling me it was "virtually nonexistent" in the UAE.

Francisco D'Aniconia, Mesa, AZ

I have been living in the middle east since the war began, I have traveled and been stuck in this so called heaven of the middle east. Mr. Bingham may have screwed up. And this is not the first case of this happening in to a celebrity. I seam to recall a US rapper that was stopped for cocaine, his lawyer got him bailed, and he never paid up. I would say that this event is now not spoken of because it makes UAE look as a bit on the easy side. On the other side of the fence here is a reality Muslims will claim to follow these so called harsh Laws. These laws are some of the same laws through out the world. In Asia you can be put to death for small amounts of drugs. And in the middle east you are not allowed to carry in pornographic material. Yet it is available if you look for it. All in all I believe that Mr. Bingham is yet again an example of western and eastern ways clashing. In the long run UAE and many other strict law abiding countries will loose tourism due to the publi

john , Tikrit, Iraq

as a brit living in duabi, it is important to distinguish between here and, say, saudi and iran. the rules here are clear and generally reasonable. you can wear bikinis on the beach, drink in bars and watch uncut movies in theatres.

you can't take drugs through customs anywhere, so it shouldn't come as much surprise that this rule applies here.

however, mr nath is wontrg when he says this hasn;t happened before, it's jsut that last time the guy got off as he had more influential frinds than poor old grooverider..

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535075/20060626/austin_dallas.jhtml

Cameron, dubai, UAE

To 'Just Say NOMO' of Washington, I assume by 'Fundy' you mean Fundamentalist? Like so many people, you assume all Arab states are the same; it's as misguided and ignorant as lumping all Europeans or South American States together. Dubai is not a fundamentalist state - women do not have to 'cover up' and alcohol is legally and openly available.
To Barquentine of Mexico - if you think this is Draconian compared to the UK, lets see what happens when you bring your Porn and drugs in through Heathrow!
Get educated - otherwise your comments are nothing more that the keyboard equivalent of 'lip flapping'.

Cally, Manama, Bahrain

In response to "just say NOMO" - your comments are uninformed. I have lived in Dubai for 17 years and they are far from backward or "fundy". They are one of the most tolerant nations. Western expats are allowed to live a completley "western lifestyle". Alcholol is freely available, we are allowed to worship our religion and have churches, nightclubs abound, you will find some of the most sophisticated bars here. We are not restricted in our dress and generally most people feel they are living in a western city. One thing is not tolerated and that is illegal drugs, this is abundantly clear and anyone who infringes this deserves what they get.
Am I mistaken or are drugs still illegal in the USA? does that make them a "fundy" nation?

Gwyneth Reynolds , Dubai , UAE

Some of you could do with a visit to Dubai to correct your opinions about the city. "...a society that thinks women should cover up everything except their eyes"? Uh, no, DCM, that isn't quite how it works here. Interesting that the uninformed comments come from the good old US of A. I have lived in the UAE for 15 years and would love to know what Just Say NOMO means by 'Fundy nation' and 'their backward ways'? Have either of you been to Dubai? I assume neither of you have been anywhere near Dubai or you wouldn't sound quite so dim!

On the subject of the DJ, I imagine like several other 'celebrities' who arrived without clearing out their stash over the past few years he will be quietly shipped out.

Phillie Hall, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Just say NOMO a typical uniformed American. Come and work in and Dubai and see how liberal they are. As to this incident causing a major fuss believe me it is not. A country with clearly defined rules and procedures is much better than so called liberal views.

By the Way does the USA not have a death penalty and a harsh regime for visitors with known convictions or habits

anenglishmanindubai, Abu Dhabi,

What was he thinking? Okay, you can make a mistake if you don't have all the information, however, he was warned. Those of us who have traveled to the Middle East know that you don't mess around with things like that; you want a beer, you drink it in hotels, etc. where it is allowed. You definitely don't bring it into the country. And drugs?!

Ian, Moscow, Russia

Whilst I support the tough line taken by the Dubai authorities, most Arab countries, and especially UAE like to portray themselves as western and forward thinking. However, this is a mere facade, behind these modern cities exist Police State’s, poor or little human rights and certainly no democracy. It amazes me that so many people travel to Dubai without realising this.

DJ, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

airports shmareports. why fly with weed? it's not like the "1st celebrity" in Dubai to be busted for a high profile drug case would have a hard time finding a small stash of friendlies to smoke with before his set.... if that's what he needed. IDIOT or mastermind. 40yo DJ, times are flyin by, and if he doesn't get caught, he's gettin high!

drecha, Dallas, TX

I live in Dubai. This is not the first time that this situation has ocurred with a "celebrity," despite what Mr. Nath says. Last year US hip hop producer Dallas Austin flew in for Naomi Campbell's birthday party, which was held at the iconic Burj al Arab hotel. He was caught at the airport with cocaine in his posession, arrested and charged. He was convicted and sentenced to a four year prison term, but received a royal pardon from Sheikh al Maktoum and sent home.

The court case after Mr. Austin's involved a "regular" American tourist also found with cocaine at the airport. He wasn't so lucky and is currently serving four years. The local media coverage leading up to Mr. Austin's trial was very heavy, but there was no comment at all - letters or otherwise - following his pardon, despite the outrage that many felt over the double standards.

Steve, Dubai, UAE

This is not a case of an extremist Islamic government at work. Importation of drugs is a serious crime in most of the world and a capital offense in some places. If you need to smoke pot, go to Amsterdam or do it in the US, Canada, or UK where it's a minor infraction.

Mike, USA,

Perhaps Grooverider should also face charges under the Trades Description Act as Drum ´n´ Bass records are made with computers and have neither drums nor bass on them !

John., Berlin, Germany

I do hope that if he's convicted, he has to serve his time in a UAE prison & they don't just deport him because he's some 'ignorant foreigner.' There's just no excuse for his actions, and if he tries the "Gee, I didn't know this stuff was on me" or "Sorry, I didn't know it was illegal in the UAE," then I hope his sentence is doubled.

The UAE seems to actually be a pretty cool, somewhat 'progressive' Arabic country with a Muslim culture that's not too extreme, so this is a perfect case for the UK gov't to NOT get involved & for world opinion to support the UAE laws against illicit narcotics & porn.

Tim Taylor, San Francisco, USA/California

having lived in the Middle east for 15 years and Dubai 12 of them i think this is quite a simple scenario, do not break the law. every country has them and the Middle east has theirs this is not a muslim issue or arab issue it is someone breaking the law, don't do it.

Grooverider is not the first to be caught thinking they are above the law and Dubai has been lenient in the past with celebrities but there is no guarantee this time, when will people learn?

i have just been amongst 35,000 revellers at teh dubai 7's again thsi year and teh police were superb, but alcohol is not illegal, drugs are - end of story

Andy Pyzer, Muscat, Oman

And will he be missed if he is imprisoned?

Tom Taylor-Duxbury, Ludlow, UK

How exceedingly stupid would one have to be to bring this kind of material into the United Arab Emirates, given the regular, extensive international coverage of its draconian drugs policies?

It is possible to be jailed in Dubai for having consumed substances legal in other countries. And not just cannabis in Amsterdam: a Panadeine bought from Boots chemist at Heathrow could get you convicted and jailed for several years. Even if you had consumed it before you left the UK.

Dubai is NOT a "party city". It is a party city compared to Riyadh, perhaps, or a village in Peshawar. But not compared to any Western city, despite the image pushed by Dubai's marketing machine.

secretdubai, Dubai, Dubai

Anybody who has visited Dubai will know that it is a very safe place to walk around, day or night. One of the main reasons for this is because the UAE does not tolerate drugs, public drunkenness or other anti-social behaviour. The UAE is tolerant of other cultures, but this should not be confused with being liberal. If you are arrogant or stupid enough to believe that the laws of a country don't apply to you, then you have to take the consequences

Richard, Bexhill, UK

People who compare Saudi to Dubai have never been to the UAE. Life here is a lot closer to New York than Riyadh.

And celebrities here are above the law here just like everywhere else. Ask Dallas Austin.

Ryan, Dubai, UAE

There is no issue here, and no teddy bears involved.

If you live in Dubai and are caught with drugs or pornography you get arrested. There is no compromise and no "clash with liberal values".

This country is one of the safest in the world. The "justice system" is similar to that which many UK expatriates think should apply in UK . I doubt if the laws are much stricter, but the punishments certainly can be; enough to make people seriously think about transgressing.

Also, Mr Grooverider will be spending his time awaiting trial in jail - not a pleasant prospect. So he won't get a chance to benefit from his visit or skip bail. If he's found guilty he will do his time and then be deported straight out of the country.

Next time you wander down your street in UK and see yobbos defacing a bus shelter or lipping someone you should wonder whether the UK justice system serves the society most of you want or whether a little bit of Dubai justice might actually make UK a better place to live.

David, Dubai, UAE

It shouldn't be such a big deal. I'm sure some people of Dubai indulge in a little drugs and porn. Or are they beyond temptation?

Grooverider is stupid but I don't think a prison sentence is needed here.

Richcolour, Ealing, uk

This is nothing new - Record Producer Dallas Austin was arrested in Dubai last year for posession of cocaine. He got let off. Watch for the same to happen again :)

The UAE does have a social hierarchy and does treat people differently - roughly the order is: UAE Nationals, celebrities, western expats and last of all, sub-continent construction workers.

It is still a great place to live though.

Western Expat, Dubai, UAE

In Dubai if you have a car crash you cannot move until a police car arrives. Many people seem to think the law in Dubai is going to be the same as in Britain Not so. Not a country to buy an apartment in.

Paul Davis, York, uk

What worries me more that BBC employs people like him on vast payments with license fee payers money. DISGUSTING!

Gidwani, Maidenhead, Berks

Living in Dubai reading this article which has gained press interest its amazing that firstly Mr ‘Grooverider’ has the stupidity to get on a flight to the middle east with both drugs and pornographic material. The Government here accommodate both the cultures of Islam with the blend of modern society they are trying to attract, Last year a US DJ, ‘Dallas Austin’ who's worked with TLC, Gwen Stefani, Madonna, Pink, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and many others over his 17-year career — was traveling to Dubai to attend Naomi Campbell's three-day birthday party at the Burj Al Arab hotel, somehow forgot to check his belongings for drugs..not that they were ever his of course!!…. Now a 4 year sentence was on the cards, but…a statement of leniency was granted with the hope this sent a message to the DJ culture, come here entertain get your tax free payment ( GBP 4,000 ) before you all get your hankies out isn’t a bad lump of cash for a gig starting at 12 midnight and over by 3am for a DJ who primed in the mid 90’s…! , enjoy a few days hospitality in the sun and go home.
Don’t look at this scenario as it’s the problem of the country or the Government, Its so stereotypical to view this as a regional / cultural problem whereas in the good old UK…its part of life nowadays.
Personally I hope that the publicity this brings will serve as a message for those looking to come here expecting a glorified Ibiza this is not the way things are, Laws aren’t a bad thing to be enforced that’s why we have them.
For those writing views on the UAE here it would be ‘generous’ if they were at least marginally accurate, or founded by those with any experience of the country. If you don’t like the idea of it…don’t come. If you are coming…lets hope you can do so without the aid of Drugs and pornographic material… if you get my drift !!


Styles-of-Arabia .. –British ‘Happy’ Dubai Resident.

Jaemi Styles, Dubai , UAE

I am a big fan of Grooverider.. I hope that he is not charged... There is nothing wrong with 'porn' and a bit of personal smoke.. Surely it is his choice if he wishes to do this?? He came there to play music.. and his music is bang on... Maybe he doesn't drink.. and just enjoys a nice smoke... You got to be careful in these types of countries.. should of tried to get some smoke there.. and looked at porn on the internet!!

Adam Webb, MK, UK

"In the UAE they do not distinguish between stars and the common man" - Rob, Brum, UK

That is not at all true. The rich, famous arabs get away with all sorts because of their connections

Paddy, Bristol,

This is very far from the Teddy bear incident, the guy had been told what the laws are in Dubai. I think that he'll have to stick with the Tribunal decision, otherwise it's as if we claim that since in Germany there are no speed limits on the motorways, Germans coming to Britain can travel as fast as they can. that doesn't make sense, I'm sorry for the guy but if he broke the laws he deserves to be punished, irrespective of his nationality and celebrity status.

Ross, Milan,

"the US Army would be dropped in to airlift him out no doubt shooting their weapons off at anything that moves while doing it" You are right Mark. That is why you don't speak German or Russian. Churchill rules!

Nick, San Diego, CA

How stupid can one man be, he knew where he was going and what he was doing, the man cant live for a day or two without porn and drugs. Lock him up for stupidity if anything.

Eric Samuels, Sacramento, California USA

"There should be a law against 40 year olds who think they can get away with dressing like a teenager" - Ian F, Chicago, US

I second.

Pete, Cov,

“This is the first time anything like this has happened to a celebrity in Dubai, so everybody’s talking about it,” Mr Nath said.

Where has this guy been the past few years? Celebrities are often targeted when traveling to this country. Was Mr Nath not aware of what happened to Dallas Austin back in 2006.

Matthew, Atlanta, USA

Yeah, like someone caught bringing in drugs off an international flight wouldn't be facing the same sentence in most countries, or even a harsher sentence. I think that "hypocrisy" is a little closer to home than Dubai.

Cyn, Princeton, USA/New Jersey

Silly Rider, not the smartest move ever. Maybe he can learn how to mix whilst he's locked up.

Rupe, Wolverhampton,

"His case is causing huge controversy in the United Arab Emirates " Well....actually....no it's not. No one is actually talking about it at all. The score is, you obey the law or you get a spanking and kicked out. It's not too hard to figure out and oh, oh, oh if only the UK could learn something!! For most professionals here, the ease of good entertainment means that there is rather more partying (drinking!) than the same group got up to in UK (or elsewhere). But you don't muck about with their laws. By the way, if he was here for one gig why the hell did he need his porn collection??

Tom, Dubai,

Can't you complainers understand that other countries have their own laws and customs and no matter how idiotic you many think those laws and customs are, that they still rule within their own borders? Even though he did a VERY idiotic thing, the Brits will spin the platters to get him released. If he gets deported, he will be very lucky. If he gets put in prison, then the British government will still work very hard to get him released and deported. Will he, and those who say he did nothing wrong, learn from this? Probably not, but cannabis has probably stunned lots of their brain cells and has impeded their ability to think logically. And this doesn't even consider the issue of an infidel bringing porn into an Islamic country. Now that's really dumb. Don't they have really sharp swords for that offense?

Jeff Blanton, Fort Worth, TX

Mr. Grooverider, sir, my thoughts are with you and your family, anyone can make a little mistake like this! You'll be back behind the decks before you know it. One love.

Matty B, London, UK

I think it's wrong to say anything disparaging about dubai. A progressively tolerant muslim society should serve as a role model. I personally know people who have been similairly busted crossing from US to Canada and Mexico. Remember folks, when you leave your home country, your civil rights get checked at the border with your bags, and you MIGHT get them back when you get there. Simple fact of travel.

fester, northeast midwest, USA

Dave, pot is not a psychosomatic substance.

It is psychoACTIVE though.

And while I certainly think the laws are silly, I think people who travel should check their baggage, I mean really, what if he was coming from America where it is legal to own a gun and flew into the Netherlands with a gun. Would people be complaining then?

No. Know the laws of the country you are flying into, and DO NOT BRING CONTRABAND ACROSS BORDERS. I mean seriously, unless you are a drug mule, you should have more sense than he.

Ish, Montreal, Canada

Thank god he didn't have a teddy bear called Mohamed with him as well!!!

Rob Webb, Loughton,

The rider knew the risks, bought the ticket and now he's taking the ride.

the bans imo

Mr Banner, Bannockburn, Scotland

well, weed and porn are essential to mankind's happiness and I think
Grooverider will prevail as the world recognizes logic and truth.

if not, we should organize a commando raid to free him and bring him
to Colorado (US) for his own safety.

Stevyn IronFeather, Denver, Colorado

groove is only looking at 4-6 months anyway not the 4 yrs as quoted in the article...

jim bean , london town,

Graeme from Edinburgh, Do your really believe the US is at fault for making marijuana illegal on a global scale? I suggest you read the book (not watch the movie) Reefer Madness by Eric Schlosser and understand that just about every study concerning this drug showed little or no negative consequences. (and yes, this even in the 30s) It was pressure from right that led to Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton to try to publicly demonize it. I believe the best reason that marijuana is still illegal has to do with the opposite of what you said. The government will have an extremely difficult time collecting and enforcing a tax because just about any idiot can make a seed grow, and unlike cigarettes, very few people are chain smoke it. Blaming the US on this one will not work for me. Last time I was in Scotland I believe it was not considered part of the US.

Alex, CA, US

Hope it all turns out ok for the guy, seen him perform countless times, Millwalkies, The Edge, The Sanctuary, The Que club..... Top bloke, it'd be a shame to see him trashed by (in my opinion) an exteamist neo fascist psudo theocratic state for a bit of weed.......

Tim, Peterborough, UK, CAMB'S

This would never have happened in my day- bring back Dave Lee Travis, 'Kid' Jensen and Mike Read!

Dan, Oxford, England

The BeeB will not doubt be falling over themselves to worship this ego inflated plonker when he gets back. Yuck. Throw away the key. Porn and dope for a weekend. A serious infant then and just the type to ham it up round those BeeB Drivellers! Sure he thinks he can get away with it because he is "famous". So do all the other creeps who get paid zillions by the poor taxpayer!

Emily W, cambridge, UK

Having worked in Dubai for 10 years, I have to say you guys are wide of the mark.
Foreign women wear mini-skirts. Local women dress as they choose (yes, many cover themselves.) If this DJ has a spare US$250,000, he can 'buy' a pardon, just like the US rapper earlier this year. Or he'll get around four years followed by deportaion. 'Marginally more humanistic'? They guy was going to play at a nightclub that's famous for drunkeness and fights.

Derek, Dubai, UAE

A small amount was was in his record collection. This is obviously just a tiny amount that was on the records after a party or fell in while having some at a party. Seriously, why do we have these stupid drug laws? Oh yes, because the US wanted to keep tabs on Mexican immigrants who brought (completely legal at the time) marijuana cigarettes with them (which also grew at the side of roads in the Southern States). Now look what happens, you can be killed in Asia and serve years for a tiny amount of left over party residue which may not even be his... thanks to the US... didn't they abolish prohibition because no one wanted it and it was impossible to police? Just start taxing it and making some cash or is it a problem because South America's economies would then over take everyone else's... hmm...

Graeme, Edinburgh,

This is not a test case; recently this year Austin Dallas the US urban music producer was given a royal pardon when caught in the posession of cocaine. This guy used to run rock-a-fella with Jay-Z.

Did he get let off because he had the right connections??

Drug taking is stupid at the best of times and beyone reproach in a country that is straight about it laws and everybody knows them. Shame on you if you get caught.

Jimmy, Dubai,

There are always weak sissies who have to coddle up to the biggest bully - so people above love to agree with teh State regardless. It is easy for me to see maybe this guys management co didn't pay off any bribes. And the "porno" disc could be a rated PG movie. But the Worshippers of the State At All Costs won't consider that. The elite must be preserved at all cost.

nygrump, ny, usa

wow, his life is a matter of paperwork because he didnt have enough time to comb through all of his travel gear? I do not understand what can be so terrible about a bit of psychosomatic substance. What are they worried about, letting CIA drug dealers into their country?

Dave, rochester, usa

Bloody despots trying to shut down the Rider! Let the man pay a fine and get on with his life! If RADIO 1 fires him, we will be missing the best rant since the Gay Homie Convention!

T3hbanz Imho, Wolverhampton, Brooklyn

Massive hypocisy over there.

schratboy, Boulder , CO USA

Bet this will get him to catch his SNAP! Here's you sign!

Donald, Abilene, TX

Free Grooverider!
Hash, E's, coke, porn and hookers are easy to come by in Dubai...and everyone wants it over there too! No big deal and its only a bit of fun.
Dubai police should give him a slap on the wrist and let him go. On another note, am I the only one who finds American posters as being slightly creepy and Nazi-ish with their sinister cultural snobbery and sweeping generalisations?

Sam, Edinburgh, Scotland

I lived in Dubai among their elite for a year - money and ego are all that matter in Dubai. And their egos are very fragile. Don't be too impressed with their pious religious sensibilities - UAE and Dubai have one of the world's largest prostitute and white-slavery trades (they love young blonde Russian girls - poor girls thought they were going to be secretaries), are the bankers of choice for all your terrorist/mob/drug cartel money-laundering needs in that part of the world. You can always buy liquor there as long as you know where to find the spot that keeps up with their payola to the local authorities. So don't get too tied up in their piety. I'm guessing Raymond's inability to check his over-inflated "celebrity" ego at the departure gate must have conflicted with the ego of some low-level Emeriti authority-figure at the airport and it became a situation that Ray wasn't prepared for. Hopefully for him he'll just get deported, but it'll cost him some payola of his own.

Wadi Torrent, New York, USA

There will be no serious representations from the British government for his release without trial. There will be a trial and he will be sentenced to prison. It's just a question of for how long.

ColinG, Doha, Qatar

There should be a law against 40 year olds who think they can get away with dressing like a teenager.

Ian F, Chicago, US

I have been a resident of Dubai for 4 years and apart from terrible inflation, traffic problems and the decline in the value of the currency its OK and by Middle East standards a very liberal place to live and work.

There are two no no things - drugs and drinking and driving and thats fair enough and very well documented and publicised.

I see they have just started a crack down on ladies of the night here about which they have historically been lax.

Come but leave your 'gear' at home and use taxis.

Sean Reid, Dubai, UAE

Ronaldo---that has to be once of the most ignorant statements. Eqivolent to---Why do governments have the power to put us in jail? That's why they are called governments...because they govern people.

Joy, Houston, Texas

When i visited Thailand i found it a liberal, friendly and fun place.

However when in the airport i remember seeing big signs saying "Welcome to the land of a thousand smiles"..."drug smuggling carries the death penalty"....

I can say that you were in no doubt abot the law. I can't see how anyone can have any support for a man who carried even a tiny amount of drugs through an airport. There are very few countries where this would be allowed.

As for the porn...does he really have to bring it in for a day or two while he works?

Damian, Leamington Spa, England

For a region of the world that claims tolerance and adherance to religous views --- it is amazing the flow of third country nationals being worked to the bone as laborers and most incredible --- thousands of prostitutes, well-known brothels and the hotels eagerly invite the most beautiful to adorn their lobbies and bars. So while they prohibit porn, they turn a blind eye to the actual acts of sexual deviance. Same can be said for Bahrain and several other Muslim nations

Bob Smith, London, England

What a Plonker! If he doesn't want to go to prison for 4 years, then he shouldn't have taken illegal substances and material into the country, he can't even plead ignorance because he was TOLD before he went!!

Dubai are right to uphold their laws, if the UK upheld their laws a bit better then maybe we wouldn't be in such a state!

Paul, Glasgow, UK

My fellow "throw the book at this fool" Americans, please stop these embarrassing posts. For all we know, this could be a frame job by hardliners who were going to stop that show from happening, no matter what.

This guy's going to get Midnight Expressed likely over a few police-planted seeds and a DVD set of Desperate Housewives, Season 1.

Maybe the next man-made island in Dubai should be in the shape of a cannibis leaf and a Just Say No sign. Much more interesting than the "Palm Islands." And to think, Dubai is supposed to be the "progressive" one.

Keith, Kansas City, USA

grooverider is an idiot who deserves to spend time in jail and would do even if he'd been caught here.

I am laughing at the idea he'll be treated like anyone else though. the arab sheikhs get away with whoring, drinking and anything else they like. there's no one rule for all in the middle east, I'm afraid. would that it were so. next you'll be saying the arabs aren't racist.

your poster who suggested dubai is only marginally less restrictive than saudi clearly hasn't been to either place, though.

jem, london, uk

Goofball Grooverider should have known better. Maybe he was counting on a being able to baksheesh his way through if caught.

He obviously wasn't planning on dealing. Dubai is very concerned about its image, and a bit of reworking of the laws to differentiate between user and dealer would give them more prosecutorial flexibility. (Remember that the majority of expats in Dubai are South Asians who might enjoy a bit of bhang. A harsh drug law is likely seen as useful to keep them under control).

Having spent time in Kuwait and Dubai, I can speak from personal experience that there is a world of difference between the UAE (Dubai in particular) and the rest of the Gulf states. Those who are surprised that dancing is permitted obviously don't understand the region. The porn charge is particularly hilarious. 15 minutes in a Dubai shopping mall and the sluttily-dressed teenage girls will change anyone's preconceptions about what is acceptable in an Islamic country. Not so in Kuwait.

Michael Paul, Amsterdam,

As a Dubai resident I am happy to point out that this country is immensely tolerant. Women are free to show their faces and hair, arms and legs and to drive and go out unaccompanied. Westerners are free to drink alcohol in public in areas licensed for that. There are nightclubs where singles can dance together. All that is asked is that laws are respected and that decency prevails. If only my home country was so well run I might still live there.

Dr Sean, Dubai, UAE

I don’t know why anyone should say, "don’t go to Dubai"...pure ignorance. Surely if you were caught trying to enter the USA with Cannabis you wouldn’t be so welcome either! Just another opportunity to have a dig at muslims per se. The propaganda over the last 6 years really has worked: muslims seem to have become aliens for half of the world. Wake up! It is another culture, with a completely different history and set of priorities that that does not make them evil. Learn to respect other countries and their cultures and rules and stop trying to impose your rules on theirs. It may seem harsh by our standards, but Grooverider had a choice! Hopefully Dubai will be a bit more leniant, but at the end of the day he really is a fool if he took drugs in.

english girl, munich, germany

There are some seriously racist remarks being thrown here. Racism is more "backwards" than drugs and pornagraphy, we should be over that by now... And prohibiting porn is more "humanistic" than capitalizing on it.

If you go to a foreign country you respect their laws full stop. I wouldn't spit gum in Singapore and I wouldn't deny the holocaust in Austria or Germany no matter how exaggerated the punishments may sound.

Gamal Nasser, Cairo, Egypt

Actually, Mark from Peterborough, this DID happen to a fairly prominent American R&B producer named Dallas Austin in Dubai a few years ago. In that instance I think the drug was cocaine and there was no porn involved. My memory might be fuzzy but I don't recall any armed forces being dropped in to free Mr Austin. After some legal haggling he was deported. You need to get over yourself with think for one second before jumping ugly with your righteous kneejerk Anti-western rhetoric and appreciate YOUR current place in the world. Does insulting big bad America make you feel like more of a man? I bet if your food wasn't hot enough you would find some way, with great wisdom no doubt, to blame America. No government or country is perfect. Yours certainly isn't. Some serve their citizens and the world better than others but none is above questioning. America has it's faults but, for God's sake, it is not the be all and end all of the universe.

Dave Reid, New York, USA

Why do goverments have the power to say the weed is illegal?

Just deport him and be done with the situation.

Ronaldo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

I don't know why everyone is getting so bent out of shape ('Fundy nation' anyone? Dubai is one of the last truly liberal places on Earth!) Islamic state or not, last I looked, cannabis and pornography are illegal here too, or maybe British laws are optional these days?? At least the UAE uphold theirs, if we took a left out of their books, instead of using this as an excuse to Islam-bash (again...) perhaps our country would not be in such a state of disarray…

sophy, bham-west mids, UK

Amazing stupidity. He knew the rules and he broke them. If this were an American, and this has happened before, I do not think the Army would be "dropped in" as Mark suggests. The Army would also be saying, Amazing stupidity.

Matt, Syracuse, usa

Its funny how mostly Americans are commenting on this story and saying he should have the book thown at him. Yes he was totally wrong and yes he should have been more careful.
Lets not burn him at the stake.
If this was an American citizen the US Army would be dropped in to airlift him out no doubt shooting their weapons off at anything that moves while doing it.

Mark , Peterborough, UK

If only we were as serious about our rules as they are about theirs.

Owen Leach, Princeton, New Jersey USA

looks like the grooverider is going to get his groove on in the big house. what was this fool thinking? you'd have to be a complete retard to not deduce that a society that thinks women should cover up everything except their eyes would get uptight about porn. and drugs are illegal, even in the uk, right?

this is no teddy bear incident--this guy screwed up plain and simple and so long as it's not something extreme, ought to do the time if he committed the crime.

DCM, washington, dc, usa

Don't people realise that Dubai is run by muslims? That it is an Arab country with laws marginally more humanistic than Saudi and its religious police, but still pretty damn draconian by UK standards? "Grooverider" must be pretty stupid. Think twice before you set foot in an Arab state.

Barquentine, Monterrey, Mexico

I hope he is treated the same as anyone else, with no special treatment.
But no doubt the British media or British government will intervene, and get him an easy way out.

P.Nobleza, Houston, USA

Chris from springfield.... ....... uhhhhh.. uh. death penalty?

D, Baltimore, MD

Grooverider needs to be locked up until he is too old to breed. No one that stupid should go unrestrained in the gene pool. He is real lucky that he did not take his stash to Singapore or Malaysia where they really take drugs seriously.

Mike in Nevada

Mike , incline village, nevada, USA

When it comes to illegal drug offenses, I fully support the rights of other sovereign nations to give whatever punishment they deem just for illegal drug offenses; up to an including the death penalty for serious drug offenses.

Chris, Springfield, Missouri

In the UAE they do not distinguish between stars and the common man, did Mr Raymond Bingham think he could get away with it because he was famous?

Rob, Brum, UK

Here's a suggestion... Don't go to Dubai! They are a Fundy nation. Why support them and their backward ways? I'm surprised they let people dance.

Just Say NOMO, Washington, USA