My name is Werner, I am from Belgium and
working in the Operational Department of Europol
and supporting EU MS in major international
drugs trafficking operations related to synthetic drugs.
One of the main threats in the EU is the illicit
production and trafficking of synthetic drugs
and synthetic drugs I mean ecstasy, amphetamine,
methamphetamine and similar substances
These drugs are produced illegally in so-called
‘laboratories’ and on a massive scale here in Europe.
Tablets tend to be bright and well designed,
often bearing trendy fashionable icons or logos
purposely to appeal to young people,
but don’t let this trick you, they can be
as dangerous as hard drugs.
New Psychoactive Substances are in many instances
very dangerous, because often it’s a gamble
on what you get.
These, including SPICE as well as other related
substances are well reported by the media.
Thousands of people have died of overdose.
Moreover, many thousands of tonnes of highly
toxic, dangerous chemical waste is generated
by the chemical synthesis and dumped into
the natural environment including rivers,
threatening public health and safety.
Europol is supporting the EU Member States
in dismantling those illicit drugs laboratories.
We also provide Member States with expertise
on seized equipment and chemicals.
Europol is constantly monitoring the developments
of new substances with other EU institutions.
Around 100 of these production sites are discovered every year and the criminals are arrested
and thrown into jail for years.
We will never stop our fight against synthetic
drugs.
