The UAE's new drug law cleared a South American woman of drug charges after she was caught with marijuana at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

The Dubai Criminal Court acquitted the defendant, stating that the amount of drugs found in her possession proved that they were for personal use. She was also a first-time offender.

The 39-year-old defendant was arrested in April this year upon her arrival at DXB. A luggage search revealed that she was carrying more than 61g of Cannabis packed in two cigarette rolls.

While being interrogated, she acknowledged that the marijuana was hers, but claimed it was for personal use only. Urine tests also showed traces of Cannabis in her system.

The woman's Emirati lawyer, Awatif Mohammed from Al Rowaad Advocates, argued that eased penalties should apply to her since she was a first-time offender under the country's new drug law.

Last week's verdict is subject to appeal within two weeks.