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European law enforcement agencies have dismantled a large-scale synthetic drug network operating across six countries, arresting at least 85 suspects in what authorities described as the largest operation of its kind to date.
The year-long crackdown, coordinated by Europol, led to the shutdown of 24 industrial-scale drug laboratories and the seizure of nearly 1,000 tonnes of chemicals used in the production of illicit substances such as MDMA, amphetamine and methamphetamine.
“This is by far the largest operation we have ever carried out against synthetic drug production and distribution,” said Andy Kraag, Head of Europol’s European Serious Organised Crime Centre, in an interview with AFP.
“It represents a massive blow to organised crime groups involved in synthetic drug trafficking.”
Six Countries Involved
The operation involved coordinated police actions in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain.
Authorities confirmed that more than 85 people were arrested, including two suspected ringleaders, both Polish nationals. While most of the suspects are from Poland, investigators believe Belgian and Dutch nationals were also involved in the criminal network.
How the Network Was Exposed
The investigation began in 2024, when Polish authorities detected suspicious imports of large quantities of legal industrial chemicals from China and India.
Further inquiries revealed that the chemicals were being repackaged, mislabelled and redistributed across the European Union to clandestine laboratories, where they were used to manufacture synthetic drugs for the street market.
‘Supply-Chain Strategy’
Kraag explained that the operation was part of a wider “supply-chain strategy” aimed at cutting off drug traffickers at the source.
“These criminal groups no longer have access to their supply,” he said. “That significantly disrupts their entire operation.”
Beyond the public health risks posed by synthetic drugs, Europol warned of the broader consequences, including violence, corruption and money laundering linked to organised crime.
Environmental Damage Uncovered
Authorities also highlighted the severe environmental impact of synthetic drug production. During the operation, police seized over 120,000 litres of toxic chemical waste, which criminal groups often illegally dump on farmland or into waterways.
“Today, it’s profit for criminals. Tomorrow, it’s pollution,” Kraag warned.
Investigations Ongoing
Europol said further arrests could follow, stressing that the dismantled network was not the only major player in Europe’s synthetic drug trade.
“This is one of the biggest distributors, but it’s not the only one,” Kraag said. “We are still looking.”
Source: AFP
