UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services

70 years of the United Nations Narcotics Laboratory 🧪🔬 The lab’s mission is to harness science to better understand the world drug problem. Today, UNODC supports over 300 laboratories in 120 countries, providing tools, training, and technical assistance for stronger law enforcement and health-based responses. Watch the video to learn more ⬇️

🌍 Celebrating 70 Years of Excellence in Science and Service! 🧪✨ Looking back, it’s remarkable how far we have come since the lab was established by the UN General Assembly in 1954, with its mission being to harness science, expand understanding, and guide responses to the world drug problem. From its early days conducting research on opium, cannabis, and other controlled substances, the laboratory has evolved into a hub of forensic and scientific excellence. Today, the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS): ✅ Provides support to a global network of more than 300 forensic laboratories in 120 countries worldwide. ✅ Enhances the capacity of frontline officers and forensic scientists to detect and analyze illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. ✅ Strengthens national forensic capabilities to meet international standards, supporting criminal justice systems to ensure fair trials and safeguarding human rights. ✅ Informs international drug control policies, predicting and preventing drug crises through cutting-edge research and early warning systems. ✅ Monitors over 1200 new psychoactive substances through its global early warning system and promotes health responses by delivering timely scientific data on emerging drug threats to health professionals worldwide. ✅ Supports peace and security through training and tools for investigating diverse crime scenes, from clandestine laboratories to wildlife crimes and battlefields.   Our vision? Science at the centre of drug control and crime prevention.   As we reflect on this progress, we are reminded of the power of science and collaboration in building a safer, fairer world. We sincerely thank 🙏 H.E. Mrs. Nina Vaskunlahti, Ambassador of Finland, for their continuous support to UNODC for over 35 years as well as the continued support from all our donor countries who attended the celebration. Let’s continue working together for the next 70 years of innovation and impact!

🎄✨ Holiday Greetings from the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services ✨🎄 As we reflect on an incredible year, we are filled with gratitude and pride. 2024 has been a testament to our dedicated commitment to our vision: 👉Science at the centre of drug control and crime prevention. We sincerely thank you for your trust, collaboration, and support this year. Together, we’ve made significant strides in creating a safer world. As we step into 2025, we are excited to continue this journey with you. Let’s achieve even more together and further our shared goal of making the world safer from drugs and crime. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! Warm regards, UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services

🎥 🌎 The UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy’s Year in Review 🌍 🎥 In 2024, we made great strides in addressing the global synthetic drug problem, thanks to the collective efforts of our implementation partners, donors, and dedicated stakeholders worldwide. While we celebrate these achievements, we recognize that there is more work to be done. Join us in 2025 as we launch new initiatives, expand our partnerships, and continue to deliver comprehensive approaches to this critical challenge. Justice Tettey Asma Fakhri Stefanie Schmatz Nazerke Sailaubekova Daniela Rebolledo Lascar Perkha Tahir T. Pennina Shilongo Conor Crean UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services UNODC Mikaela Andrea Edwards Anca CHIFERT Bob Van den Berghe Nayelly L. Mario Hemmerling Jorge Antonio Valverde Luna Pizarro Zorana Markovic Martin Raithelhuber Neil Walsh Luisa Fernanda Fernández Jorge Vargas Mediavilla João Silva Rodrigues

🌍🔬 Strengthening Forensic Capacity for a Safer Future 🔬🌍 This week, five forensic scientists from Uzbekistan are undergoing hands-on training in the laboratory identification of drugs and precursor chemicals at the United Nations Narcotics Laboratory in Vienna, Austria. Through practical exercises, participants are learning to navigate the complete forensic workflow: ➡️ Sample reception and ensuring chain of custody ➡️ Documentation of sample characteristics ➡️ Sampling, qualitative and quantitative analysis ➡️ Interpretation of results and issuing certificates of analysis The comprehensive course includes essential laboratory skills such as: 🔹 Safe and effective sample handling 🔹 Accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis 🔹 Proficient use and maintenance of analytical instruments 🔹 Detailed interpretation of results Participants analyze real samples and apply their skills in a controlled, professional environment, gaining a solid foundation in drug identification and forensic analysis. This initiative highlights the strong partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and UNODC in enhancing forensic services, ensuring that vital forensic expertise supports the pursuit of justice and public safety. Let’s continue working together to uphold the integrity and impact of forensic science worldwide.

Explore Your Future with UNODC! 🌍 Are you passionate about making a difference on a global scale? Join us for two webinars on 13 December 2024, hosted by the UNODC Staffing Team! During these insightful sessions, we will: ✅ Provide an overview of UNODC’s critical mandates and global initiatives. ✅ Share insights into our network of field offices and the impactful work being done around the world. ✅ Explore the diverse career opportunities available and how you can contribute. ✅ Offer guidance on the recruitment and application process to help you succeed. 🗓️ Webinar Details: 📌 Morning Session: 09:00 AM-10:00 AM CET 📌 Afternoon Session: 03:00 PM-04:00 PM CET How to Join? 👉 Scan the QR code for the session you’d like to attend! Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your potential and be part of the change!

The proliferation of clandestine drug laboratories is a growing challenge that threatens public health, safety, and the environment on a global scale. From producing harmful substances to creating hazardous waste, these labs leave a trail of destruction that requires urgent attention. 📣The Guidelines for the Dismantling of Clandestine Laboratories (ST/NAR/56), now being launched provides scientific and non-scientific personnel with essential information on exposure risks, safety measures, evidence handling, and emergency responses. It targets law enforcement, forensic experts, judiciary, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in addressing clandestine laboratories.  You can view or download this document using the following link: 🔗: https://bit.ly/3Zj5ZUc 📣In addition, UNODC is launching an application entitled “Clandestine Laboratory Investigation Platform (CLIP)   This interactive application is designed to support law enforcement and forensic personnel in the investigation and understanding of clandestine manufacture of substances under international drugs.   You can gain access to the platform using the following link: 🔗: https://bit.ly/49Al34R 👉We hope you will find these resources useful and practical for your work!

🌍 Insights from the Laboratory and Scientific Services provided to the CND Thematic Session November 2024 https://bit.ly/4fYukG3: The global synthetic drug market is evolving rapidly, marked by increasing complexity and adaptability. It is becoming more voluminous, diverse, and dangerous. Key trends include: 1️⃣ The adulteration of plant-based opioids with potent synthetic alternatives. 2️⃣ The continued rise of stimulant NPS like synthetic cathinones. 3️⃣ A shift toward semi-synthetic cannabinoids, particularly concerning for youth. Criminal networks are strategically targeting new user groups and exploiting market vulnerabilities. Collaborative global action remains essential to monitor and respond to these trends effectively. 🔗https://bit.ly/4eWD0LT Want to learn more about the key takeaways from the session? Click the links below: Expanding Markets: https://bit.ly/3Zdl89w Diversifying Products: Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids: https://bit.ly/4g5I69w Emerging Threats: Nitazenes: https://bit.ly/3CPvftI

Did you know that crime scenes involving synthetic drugs pose some of the most complex challenges for investigators? From the presence of toxic chemicals and hazardous materials to unpredictable security risks, these environments require specialized expertise, equipment, and protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness. That’s why the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs developed a specialized module on Crime Scene Investigations to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges head-on. But even with the right tools and resources, you may still have pressing questions about investigating these high-stakes environments. This is why on November 25th at 15:00 CET, we’re hosting “Ask the Expert LIVE” featuring Anca CHIFERT, Scientific Affairs Officer at UNODC. This is your chance to engage directly with an expert, ask your pressing questions, and gain actionable insights on crime scene investigations involving synthetic drugs. 🔗 Register and submit your questions here: https://lnkd.in/dN7daTHa Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your skills and enhance your understanding of one of the most pressing issues in crime scene investigation today.

Addressing corruption in forensic drug analyses is not just about tightening forensic practices; it is about reinforcing the integrity of the justice system as a whole and ensuring that our policy responses are effective in navigating the complexities of synthetic drugs. Thanks to the dedication of our implementing partners, the UNODC Corruption and Economic Crime Branch and the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services, forensic experts from around the world convened at UNODC headquarters in Vienna this week to develop a handbook on corruption in forensic analysis. This handbook will be a foundational resource for those working to prevent and address corruption in forensic drug analysis. It provides essential guidance on establishing robust legal and regulatory frameworks, enforcing standards for quality assurance, and integrating new technologies to ensure the reliability of forensic processes. And today’s meeting is just the beginning. This handbook will ultimately pave the way for capacity-building initiatives, including specialized training for forensic personnel, investigators, and prosecutors. With this comprehensive approach, we’re committed to strengthening the criminal justice system and supporting informed, effective policies to the global synthetic drug problem.