Europol Dismantles Major Synthetic Drugs Network Across Europe

Europol announced on January 21, 2026, the dismantling of a major network involved in the production and distribution of synthetic drugs across multiple European countries. This operation, described by Europol as the largest ever conducted against synthetic drug trafficking, resulted in the closure of 24 clandestine laboratories and the seizure of approximately 1,000 tons of chemicals used to manufacture substances such as MDMA, amphetamines, and methamphetamines.

The year-long investigation involved police forces from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. Over 85 individuals were arrested, including two presumed ringleaders from Poland. The network was initially uncovered in 2024 after Polish authorities detected large-scale imports of legal chemicals from China and India. These chemicals were repackaged, mislabeled, and supplied to the European laboratories.

Andy Kraag, director of Europol's European Cybercrime Centre, emphasized the significance of the success, stating, "I have been working in this field for some time. This is by far the largest operation we have ever conducted against the production and distribution of synthetic drugs." He added that the operation represents a critical blow to criminal groups by cutting off their supply chain at the source: "These criminal groups no longer have supplies."

Additionally, authorities seized over 120,000 liters of toxic chemical waste generated by the drug production process, highlighting severe environmental damage. Kraag warned, "Today, it's profit for criminals. Tomorrow, it will be pollution." The operation also addresses the health risks of synthetic drug consumption as well as associated violence, corruption, and money laundering.

Europol announced ongoing efforts to target other similar criminal groups following this decisive action against one of the continent’s largest trafficking networks.