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New synthetic drug discovered by Abu Dhabi scientists; registers narcotic substance
The newly identified drug, named ADB-4C-MDMB-BINACA, belongs to the 'synthetic cannabinoid' category
- PUBLISHED: Mon 12 May 2025, 1:58 PM
In a major scientific breakthrough, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has become the first entity to identify and officially register a previously unknown synthetic narcotic substance.
The newly discovered drug, named ADB-4C-MDMB-BINACA, belongs to the "synthetic cannabinoid" category and was detected using advanced laboratory techniques at the ADJD’s Center for Forensic and Electronic Sciences.
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The substance has now been added to the international database in the Netherlands under the name of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department laboratory. This achievement highlights the UAE’s leadership in forensic science and its proactive role in the early detection of synthetic narcotics.
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Yousef Saeed Al Abri, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, said that this achievement embodies the vision of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his interest in developing the justice system through research and innovation.
The chemistry lab at ADJD had previously detected another narcotic substance belonging to the same class of synthetic cannabis. This reflects the high level of preparedness, efficiency, and specialised technical expertise of the working team, as well as its role in pioneering scientific contributions that contribute to strengthening community security.
Al Abri explained that the discovery of this narcotic substance will have an impact on supporting international efforts to combat drugs and enhance community safety, pointing to the fruitful cooperation with the Forensic Science Research and Education Institute (CFSRE) in the US, one of the world's centres specialising in identifying synthetic drugs, to verify the substance's properties before issuing the relevant scientific paper and publishing it on the centre's official website.
The documentation is evidence of the accuracy of the analyses and the quality of the research work in the chemistry lab, and strengthens its position as a reference scientific centre at the regional and global levels in the field of laboratory testing and forensic analysis, not only in terms of technology, but also as an effective contributor to combat drugs.