Narcotics under the microscope

Chemistry is the latest weapon in the Ministry of Health’s armoury to keep narcotics and synthetics such as 'spice' – a synthetic alternative to cannabis – out of the UAE.

A selection of spice at a shop in London. Spice has been linked to mood swings and paranoia. Leon Neal / AFP
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DUBAI // Chemistry is the latest weapon in the Ministry of Health’s armoury to keep narcotics and synthetics such as “spice” – a synthetic alternative to cannabis – out of the UAE.

The ministry is working with anti-drug forces to screen the ingredients of unclassified substances for traces of ketamine, Tramadol and hemp.

Herbal drugs and remedies are primary targets for anti-narcotics departments, said Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for public policy and licensing at the ministry.

“The committee aims to review new drugs in global pharmaceutical markets,” he said.

“A major challenge is being faced by governments around the world in addressing the demand for pharmaceutical drugs while safeguarding the community against misuse and proliferation.”

In 2014, the UAE was the first country in the Middle East, and fifth in the world, to outlaw spice under anti-drugs legislation.

A drug review committee that looked at 400 spice drugs to decide if they should be made illegal has extended its review to 500 substances.

However, it is Tramadol, a painkilling opiate that can be addictive if abused, that remains the drug of choice for traffickers targeting the UAE.

In September, 35 million Tramadol pills were seized by customs at Jebel Ali Port.

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