Europol has successfully carried out one of the largest operations against synthetic drugs in Europe, resulting in the dismantling of a criminal network operating across the European Union (EU). The coordinated action took place on January 16 in Poland, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The operation targeted a network suspected of importing large quantities of precursor chemicals used in the production of synthetic drugs, including MDMA, amphetamines, and cathinones, across multiple EU countries. In addition, the network was reportedly involved in money laundering activities to fund its illegal operations.
As part of the year-long investigation, conducted under the codename “Fabryka”, law enforcement and judicial authorities from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain collaborated to track and dismantle the criminal activities.
Authorities estimated that the network may have imported over 1,000 tons of precursor chemicals, sufficient to produce approximately 300 tons of synthetic drugs. During the operation, 24 clandestine laboratories were discovered and destroyed, effectively disrupting one of the EU’s largest synthetic drug production networks.
Europol described the operation as a significant step in protecting public health and combating organized crime across Europe.
