Largest EU multi-countries operation targets international synthetic drug syndicate Photo

Polish authorities have participated in the largest operation in European Union history to combat an international criminal network producing synthetic drugs. Coordinated by Europol, the operation was carried out across Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.

In Poland, 19 people were arrested across four provinces, with nearly 400 police officers involved. During searches of four warehouses in two counties in the Mazovia Province, authorities discovered around 700 tons of chemical precursors and other substances used in drug production, as well as 2 kilograms of marijuana, Caliber.Az reports per RMF24.

Law enforcement also seized PLN 366,000 ($101,400) in cash, nine vehicles valued at around PLN 4.5 million ($1.25 million), and real estate worth nearly PLN 10 million ($2.77 million). Four suspects, including the group’s leaders, have been detained for three months, while the remaining suspects are subject to preventive measures, including travel bans and restrictions on contacting other group members.

The suspects face charges of participating in and leading an organised criminal group, producing large quantities of synthetic drugs, and money laundering, with sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

Investigators determined that the syndicate legally imported chemical precursors from China and India, which were then transported to illegal laboratories in Poland and other EU countries. Coordination and distribution of the substances were carried out from Poland.

Across the EU, coordinated action led to the closure of 22 illegal laboratories, the seizure of more than 9.3 tons of drugs and hundreds of tons of chemical precursors, and the arrest of over 100 individuals.

Additional discoveries included warehouses containing precursors, cannabis plantations, and more than 10.5 liters of production waste in Germany, while chemical warehouses and equipment for illegal operations were found in Belgium.

Europol hailed the operation as a significant step in disrupting international drug networks operating within Europe.

By Sabina Mammadli