Law enforcement agencies seized nearly 200 kg of crystal methadone as part of the cross-border operation.
ADVERTISEMENTAuthorities in Poland and Ukraine have dismantled several major drug production sites, seizing nearly 200 kilogrammes of crystal methadone, the EU's law enforcement agency has said.
According to a statement released by Europol on Friday, the joint operation led to the discovery and destruction of the largest synthetic opioid production laboratory ever found in Poland, specifically used for producing crystal methadone.
Throughout the operation, authorities conducted 38 coordinated raids across Poland and Ukraine, which led to the arrest of seven individuals believed to be key members of a criminal network responsible for the production and distribution of synthetic drugs in both countries.
The action also led to the seizure of significant quantities of harmful substances and precursors used in drug production.
During the raids, law enforcement officers found 195 kg of crystal methadone, a potent synthetic opioid. They also confiscated over 430 litres of reaction mixtures, chemical solutions in various stages of drug production, along with large quantities of drug precursors essential for synthesising opioids and cathinones.
The network illegally produced methadone, which is typically used for pain relief and opioid addiction treatment, in a highly concentrated crystalline form, posing severe overdose and death risks.
Europol reiterated the importance of cross-border collaboration, stating that it's "crucial for safeguarding our societies and protecting the lives and health of citizens from the dangers posed by international organised drug crime".
In 2023, Europol issued an Early Warning Notification to its member states and partners, alerting them to a rise in the trafficking of these types of drugs.