European authorities have dismantled a synthetic drug network operating across six countries, arresting 85 people and seizing large quantities of chemicals used to manufacture MDMA, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.

The operation, coordinated by Europol, involved law enforcement agencies from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. Investigators uncovered 24 industrial-scale laboratories and approximately 1,000 tonnes of chemicals, as well as over 120,000 litres of toxic waste that had been illegally disposed of on land or in waterways.

Andy Kraag, head of Europol’s European Serious Organised Crime Centre, described the action as “the largest-ever operation we did against synthetic drug production and distribution” and said it represented a “massive blow” to organised crime.

He noted that the criminal groups’ supply chains have now been disrupted.

The investigation began in 2024 after Polish authorities observed large-scale imports of legal chemicals from China and India. These substances were subsequently repackaged, mislabelled, and supplied to laboratories across the European Union. Most of those arrested were Polish nationals, though Belgian and Dutch suspects were also implicated. Two ringleaders from Poland were among those taken into custody.

Kraag said the operation aimed to target the synthetic drug industry at its source, pointing out that the production of such substances contributes not only to public health risks but also to violence, corruption, money laundering, and environmental damage.

“Today, it’s profit for criminals. Tomorrow, it’s pollution,” he said, referring to the hazardous chemical waste recovered.

Authorities indicated that further investigations are ongoing, with additional networks and distributors still being pursued.

“This is one of the biggest distributors. But it’s not the only one. So we’re still looking,” Kraag added.
The Europol-led operation demonstrates the continuing focus of European law enforcement on cross-border collaboration to tackle organised crime and mitigate its social and environmental impacts.