A massive laboratory producing synthetic drugs at industrial-scale has been dismantled in a coordinated operation involving the Federal Judicial Police of Limburg, the Belgian Lab Dismantling Team (CRU) and the Forensic Lab Specialists (NICC), supported by Europol. The action day took place on April 22 in Bree (Belgium) and led to the arrest of three suspects.

The lab was located in a mansion in a remote area. Two Dutch nationals, who were identified as chemists, were responsible for the drug production, while one Belgian national facilitated the production process. Investigators believe the lab had been operating for more than a year and that it had the capacity to produce hundreds of kilos of amphetamine and methamphetamine every month.

On the action day, two Europol experts supported national authorities in the field, both members of Europol’s Drug Lab Dismantling Team (ELDT). The ELDT is a unique service deployed upon request to assist national specialists and provide on-site technical assistance, chemical detection and operation support. It is equipped with state-of-the-art detection tools and staffed by experts in chemical identification and lab safety.

Europol’s fight against synthetic drugs

Europol identifies synthetic drugs as one of the key threats to the EU. Europe is a key player in this market as the industrial-scale production of synthetic drugs takes place in the EU to meet demands in both the domestic and international markets. 

Synthetic drug production in Europe is driven by innovation in methods and equipment, and the availability of the key chemicals needed. A further spread of production facilities throughout European countries is also highly likely, posing a further threat to the EU. 

Additionally, legal business structures are often exploited to obtain chemicals and equipment for drug production, which is characterized by continuous innovation. That’s why Europol prioritizes the fight against this type of serious and organized crime.

Photo credit: iStock/ miromiro