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THE HAGUE – Europol said on January 21 it had disrupted the largest synthetic drug network ever targeted in Europe, following a year-long operation that led to more than 85 arrests, the dismantling of 24 industrial-scale laboratories, and the seizure of around 1,000 tonnes of chemical precursors across six European Union countries.
The operation, coordinated by Europol and national authorities in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain, focused on dismantling the entire supply chain behind synthetic drug production, from the import of legal chemicals to the manufacture and distribution of narcotics.
According to investigators, the case originated in Poland in 2024, when customs and police authorities flagged unusually large imports of legal chemical substances from China and India. These chemicals were later found to be repackaged, relabelled and diverted to clandestine drug laboratories across the EU, where they were used to produce MDMA, amphetamines and methamphetamine.
During coordinated raids, authorities seized several tonnes of finished drugs, nearly 1,000 litres of liquid narcotics, and carried out around 50 house searches, primarily in Poland, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Financial investigators also uncovered evidence of money laundering, with Europol estimating that some entities involved generated returns of up to 30 times their initial investment.
Europol described the operation as a “massive blow to organised crime”, noting that criminal groups had lost access to key chemical supplies critical to synthetic drug production. Andy Kraag, Europol’s deputy executive director for operations, said the action had effectively cut off production capacity for multiple networks, adding that environmental crimes, including the illegal dumping of toxic chemical waste, were a major concern linked to the laboratories.
Investigators identified seven legally registered companies in Poland that allegedly facilitated the import and distribution of the chemicals, highlighting how criminal organisations exploit legitimate business structures to mask illegal activity. Europol confirmed that additional suspects remain under investigation, and further arrests are possible.
The scale of the operation underscores growing concerns among European authorities about the industrialisation of synthetic drug production, which has increasingly shifted from small clandestine labs to large, cross-border manufacturing networks with global supply chains. Officials warned that while the disruption is significant, sustained international cooperation will be required to prevent rapid rebuilding by organised crime groups.
FAQs
What made this Europol operation unprecedented?
It was Europol’s largest-ever operation against synthetic drugs, both in terms of arrests and the volume of chemicals and laboratories dismantled across multiple EU countries.
Which countries were involved in the investigation?
Authorities from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain participated in the operation.
What types of drugs were being produced?
The network was primarily involved in the production of synthetic drugs, including MDMA, amphetamines and methamphetamine.
How did the investigation begin?
The case started in Poland, where authorities detected suspicious imports of large quantities of legal chemical precursors later linked to drug manufacturing.
Are further arrests expected?
Yes. Europol said other targets remain under investigation, and additional enforcement actions are possible.
Sources
Europol official statement: https://www.europol.europa.eu
Reuters coverage: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe
Deutsche Welle: https://www.dw.com
Euronews: https://www.euronews.com
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