Authorities Seize Tonnes of Chemicals in Central and Eastern Europe
New trafficking methods and strategies to counter them dominated last week’s Europol Drug Conference.
On 6 and 7 November 2025, 191 experts from 51 countries convened at Europol headquarters in The Hague for the annual drugs conference. Discussions focused on emerging trends in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, the growing challenges posed by cocaine routes, and ways to deepen international cooperation. Participants exchanged best practices and explored innovative approaches to dismantling the criminal networks that drive the drug trade.
Illegal drug trafficking remains one of the most significant threats to the EU’s internal security. The synthetic drugs market is particularly dynamic: trafficking routes shift rapidly, new criminal actors enter the field, and production as well as distribution take place on a large scale within the EU—both for domestic markets and for export.
Against this backdrop, Europol has made combating synthetic drugs a top strategic priority. In recent weeks, the agency supported two major operations targeting the entire supply chain.
International Network in Central and Eastern Europe Dismantled
On 11 November 2025, law enforcement authorities struck at a Europe-wide network that supplied essential precursors for methamphetamine production. Investigators from Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova worked in close coordination with Europol. Eurojust established and funded a joint investigation team to track illicit substance flows, analyse communications and gather evidence against the criminal organisation.
Results of the Day of Action
- 16 arrests
(1 in Bulgaria, 11 in Czechia, 2 in Hungary, 2 in Moldova) - 18 searches
(3 in Czechia, 2 in Hungary, 1 in Romania, 12 in Moldova) - Three clandestine drug laboratories uncovered in Hungary and Moldova
- Extensive seizures, including:
– more than 5 kg of methamphetamine
– 40 kg of ephedrine-containing tablets
– 50 litres of toluene
– 0.5 kg of phosphorus
– 280 kg of caustic soda
– 70 kg of chemical residues
– specialised production equipment
– two vehicles used for smuggling
– electronic devices and cash
Those arrested are believed to have taken part in every stage of the drug-production cycle—from importing chemicals and manufacturing synthetic drugs in improvised laboratories to smuggling them across Europe in aircraft luggage or hidden vehicle compartments.
Authorities Involved
- Bulgaria: Directorate General for Combating Organised Crime
- Czechia: National Police; National Drug Enforcement Agency
- Hungary: National Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Agency
- Romania: National Police
- Moldova: Border Police; Prosecutor’s Office for Organised Crime and Special Cases
40 Tonnes of Precursors: Chemicals from China Distributed Across the EU
In a second operation—unprecedented in its scale—authorities in Hungary and Germany seized more than 40 tonnes of precursor chemicals intended for the production of MDMA, amphetamine and methamphetamine. The two-year investigation culminated in a major coordinated action on 4 and 5 November 2025.
Results of the Latest Measures
- 4 arrests
- 8 house searches
- Seizure of synthetic drugs
- Seizure of large quantities of precursor substances and chemicals
- Seizure of vehicles, jewellery and electronic devices
- €67,000 in cash
Investigators found that the substances had entered the EU from China via the ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam. Members of the criminal network collected the shipments at the ports and transported them to Hungary, from where they were distributed across Europe. The network operated in numerous countries and had the logistical capacity for large-scale deliveries—supporting industrial-level drug production.
Between 2023 and 2025, almost 32 tonnes of precursor chemicals were seized in Hungary and more than 10 tonnes in Germany in connection with this case.
Authorities Involved
- Hungary: National Police
- Germany: Joint Precursor Control Unit (Customs/Police) at the BKA; Customs
- Netherlands: Police; FIOD
Synthetic Drugs: A Threat with Growing Momentum
Europol played a central role in both operations, providing operational and analytical support to national investigators. On 6 and 7 November 2025, the agency also deployed an expert to Hungary to assist on the ground and analyse the collected data in real time.
The production and trafficking of synthetic drugs have increased significantly in recent years, driven by high demand and expanding supply. Experts warn that the threat is likely to continue growing.
