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Europol Executes Largest Ever Operation Against Synthetic Drugs
Europol announced on Wednesday the dismantling of a major network for the production and distribution of synthetic drugs across several European countries, in what has been described as the largest operation of its kind to date.
Authorities dismantled 24 laboratories and seized approximately one thousand tons of chemicals used in the production of drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA), amphetamines, and methamphetamine. More than 85 individuals were arrested, including the network’s leaders from Poland.
Andy Kraag, director of the European Organized Crime Centre, confirmed that the operation represents “a significant blow to the criminal groups involved in the trafficking of synthetic drugs,” pointing out the substantial profits generated by the network, which reportedly earned about 30 euros for every euro spent on production.
Police forces from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain participated in the campaign, following a year-long investigation that revealed raw materials imported from China and India were repackaged and distributed to drug manufacturing labs in Europe.
Kraag warned about the environmental and health impact of these drugs, noting the seizure of over 120,000 liters of toxic chemical waste that was being dumped into nature and waterways.
Europol emphasized that the operation is part of a broader strategy to uproot the synthetic drug industry, while noting that similar networks still remain operational and investigations are ongoing.
