Ohio Brothers Drugged and Snatched in Dubai Nightmare—Now Facing Prison Sentence!
Two Ohio brothers claim they were drugged and snatched by cops during a wild yacht party in Dubai—now they’re facing a harsh prison sentence! 🌐 #News #ColumbusOH #Ohio #Travel
COLUMBUS, OH – Two brothers from Ohio, one of whom is an Air Force veteran who has since become a social media influencer, have been sentenced to one month in prison in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for alcohol consumption. The incident occurred during their touristic visit to the Middle Eastern nation in June, where strict laws on alcohol consumption are enforced.
Events Leading to Arrest
Joseph and Joshua Lopez were on a night out in Dubai on June 2 when they were invited to two separate afterparties.
The brothers claim they were coerced into paying large bills before being served a drink they believe was drugged. The brothers allege that they were invited to these events by local residents, and their experience quickly turned nightmarish.
Yacht Party and Subsequent Arrest
During their trip, which began on May 25, the brothers were approached by an Uber driver after spending an evening at a nightclub.
The driver invited them to an afterparty at a nearby hotel, where they were served food and drinks they hadn’t ordered. After the brief party ended, they were handed a substantial bill.
Later that evening, the brothers were invited to a yacht party by another local. Despite initial hesitation, they eventually boarded the yacht, where they were served more drinks.
According to their account, they were subsequently charged over $2,700 before being offered another drink by a woman. The next thing they remember is being detained by plain-clothed police officers and taken to the Al Barsha police station.
Legal Battle Ahead
The brothers were held at the police station from June 3 to June 12. They were charged with assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, damaging a patrol vehicle, and consuming alcohol. Despite their requests, the police did not test their blood for drugs or sedatives.
After bonding out, the brothers were placed under a travel ban, preventing them from returning to the United States.
They now face additional charges related to damaging government property and assaulting an officer, with a court date set for August 20. Legal experts believe these charges could result in a lengthy sentence.
Diplomatic Efforts and Public Outcry
The case has drawn significant attention, with calls for diplomatic intervention to help the brothers return home. Advocacy organizations have criticized the UAE’s treatment of tourists, highlighting the harsh conditions in its prisons and the targeting of foreigners by local scammers.
The situation has prompted appeals to Ohio politicians, including Rep. Mike Carey and Sens. Sherrod Brown and JD Vance, for assistance in securing the brothers’ release.
The brothers, who have been staying in an Airbnb while awaiting their court date, face an uncertain future as they prepare to fight the charges against them.
Photo of Al Barsha police station courtesy Google Street View.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
