A lab producing synthetic drugs on an industrial scale was dismantled in the Flemish province of Limburg, reported the European Union's law enforcement agency Europol on Thursday.
The drug lab was located in a mansion in a remote area in Bree. Authorities believe it had been operating for over a year and it could produce hundreds of kilos of synthetic drugs monthly.
Three people were arrested in connection to the case. One Belgian national is suspected of facilitating the production process. Meanwhile, two Dutch nationals, identified as chemists, are suspected of being responsible for the drug production.
Credit: Europol
The police operation took place on 22 April. It involved a collaboration between the Federal Judicial Police of Limburg, the Belgian Lab Dismantling Team (CRU) and the Forensic Lab Specialists (NICC). Europol supported the authorities in the field.
Synthetic drugs are a key threat to the EU as large-scale productions in Europe operate to meet both domestic and internal demands, according to Europol. Additionally, legal business structures are often exploited to obtain equipment for such drug operations.
"A further spread of production facilities throughout European countries is also highly likely, posing a further threat to the EU," the agency added in a press release.
