Forensic experts at Sharjah Police have identified two new forms of deadly synthetic drugs smuggled into the country inside bottles of skin serum.
The man-made cannabinoids are more than 100 times more powerful than natural cannabis and are believed to have been developed overseas at a Breaking Bad-style drugs lab.
The beauty products containing the liquid were found in the possession of a passenger arriving at Sharjah Airport.
Sharjah Police did not reveal when the seizure took place or what legal action has been taken against the passenger.
Dr Taj Elsie Abbas, a chemical analysis expert with the police, hailed the discovery of the drugs.
But he warned of the difficulties of keeping pace with sophisticated criminal enterprises.
“The challenge is that the chemical structure of synthetic cannabinoids can easily be modified,” said Dr Abbas.
“By changing one element, different derivatives from the same skeleton can be produced.”
He said chemists working with drug gangs can make 20 new strains of synthetic drugs through simple changes to the drug's chemical structure.
The mind-altering substances can be made into liquid form — as in this case — to be used in e-cigarettes and other devices.
They can also be dried or transformed into gas.
Police foil drug smugglers — in pictures
“It's a constant chase because the form of these substances can easily be changed and concealed as part of any product such as cosmetics and food,” said Dr Abbas.
“As it's really tough to identify them the officer who suspected the bottles of skin serum, based on training and instinct, should be rewarded.”
Synthetic cannabis was first manufactured and sold in the early 2000s and has evolved since then.
“When it became widely used around 2004, researchers in countries like the US and Japan began investigating them but identifying new types is still very difficult,” said Dr Taj.
Sharjah Police identified four new types of Spice — a widely-used term for synthetic cannabis — last February.
They have since been added to the country’s list of banned substances.
Powerful synthetic cannabis can have fatal consequences, with other serious side effects including rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, vomiting, agitation, confusion, hallucinations and paranoia.
“Users think if they take more, the impact will last longer,” said Dr Taj.
“But in this case they could take an overdose and this is why death rates among users of these substances are very high.”
An eye drop 'used like heroin'
Col Adil Al Mazmi, deputy director of Sharjah Police’s forensics lab, said the force was embracing cutting-edge technology as well as traditional policing in its fight against drugs.
“In the beginning of 2021, it was detected that an eye drop was being over used by some people,” he said.
When tests were run, it was discovered that the drops contained an ingredient that gives the same effect of heroin, he said.
“It was being used as injections among users of drugs.”
After this was discovered, the eye drop was added to the list of controlled medicines.
“We will continue our fight against this multibillion industry but the challenges are endless because criminals keep coming up with new types and new methods.”
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Rating: 4/5
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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COMPANY PROFILE
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Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
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Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
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If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
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- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
MATCH INFO
Osasuna 1 Real Madrid 4
Osasuna: García (14')
Real Madrid: Isco (33'), Ramos (38'), Vázquez (84'), Jovic (90' 2)
