European police break up major synthetic drug network
European police have shut down a large synthetic drug network in what Europol called its largest-ever operation against this type of crime.
Officers dismantled 24 industrial-scale laboratories and seized around 1,000 tonnes of chemicals used to make drugs such as MDMA, amphetamines and meth. More than 85 people were arrested, including two suspected ringleaders from Poland.
The year-long operation involved police from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Spain and the Czech Republic. Belgian authorities took part in the investigation, and Belgian nationals were among those suspected of involvement, Europol said.
The case began in 2024 when Polish police spotted large shipments of legal chemicals being imported from China and India. These chemicals were later repackaged, mislabelled and moved across the EU to drug labs.
“This is by far the biggest operation we have ever carried out against synthetic drug production and distribution,” said Andy Kraag, head of Europol’s organised crime centre. He said the action had dealt a major blow to organised crime.
Police also seized 120,000 litres of toxic chemical waste, which is often dumped illegally and causes serious environmental damage. Europol said further suspects may still be targeted.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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