European police on Wednesday announced they had dismantled a major synthetic drug network operating across six countries, describing the crackdown as the “largest-ever operation” of its kind and a “massive blow” to organised crime.
Authorities said the year-long operation led to the dismantling of 24 industrial-scale laboratories and the seizure of around 1,000 tonnes of chemicals used to manufacture street drugs such as MDMA, amphetamine and methamphetamine.
“I’ve been in this business for a while. This is by far the largest-ever operation we did against synthetic drug production and distribution,” Andy Kraag, head of Europol’s European Serious Organised Crime Centre, told AFP in an interview.
“I think this is genuinely a massive blow to organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking, specifically of synthetic drugs,” he added.
The coordinated crackdown involved law enforcement agencies from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. According to Kraag, more than 85 suspects were arrested during the operation, including two suspected ringleaders, both Polish nationals.
European Police Target Chemical Supply Chain in Drug Bust
Investigators said the case dates back to 2024, when Polish police detected a network importing unusually large quantities of legal chemicals from China and India. Further inquiries revealed that the substances were being repackaged, mislabelled and redistributed across the European Union to laboratories producing synthetic drugs.
While most of those arrested were from Poland, authorities believe Belgian and Dutch nationals were also involved in the criminal operations.
Kraag said the operation was carried out as part of a broader “supply-chain strategy” aimed at cutting off access to the chemicals needed for synthetic drug production. “These criminal groups, they don’t have their supply anymore,” he told AFP.
Beyond the health risks linked to synthetic drugs, Kraag highlighted the wider consequences of the trade, including violence, corruption and money laundering. He also warned of the severe environmental damage caused by drug production.
During the operation, police seized more than 120,000 litres (31,700 gallons) of toxic chemical waste, which criminal groups typically dump on land or into streams. “Today, it’s profit for criminals. Tomorrow, it’s pollution,” Kraag said.
Europol, the EU police agency, said further investigations are ongoing. While the dismantled network was one of the biggest distributors, Kraag cautioned that others remain active. “This is one of the biggest distributors. But it’s not the only one. So, we’re still looking,” he warned.
AFP
Stay informed on major global security developments and how they impact public safety worldwide. For more news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive reports, visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng and stay ahead of the headlines.
