French authorities, with the support of Europol, neutralised a criminal network that produced and distributed synthetic drugs on the European and global market, and arrested 16 people.
The investigation conducted by the French National Gendarmerie was also supported by Belgian police authorities.
In June 2024, French authorities seized 216 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and arrested two French nationals in connection with the case. The subsequent investigation revealed that the criminal network involved in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs had strong links to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel, and to other criminal gangs active in Europe and New Zealand.
The two main leaders of the network relied, to a large extent, on the logistical support, experience and preparation provided by the Mexican cartels. These cartels also relied on local intermediaries to link operations and try to expand their influence. This interdependence highlights the transnational nature of the network and the cooperation between criminal actors across continents.
Investigators discovered that the chemicals used in the production of synthetic drugs originated in China. The evidence collected during the investigation led to the identification of the main organizers, an Algerian and a Frenchman, who are allegedly responsible for the entire chain of production and dissemination, including the smuggling of precursors, the creation of the laboratory, the “cooking” of the drugs and the subsequent trafficking. In parallel, they used cryptocurrencies to facilitate illegal financial transactions.
The police action day resulted in the arrest of 16 people – from Belgium (1), France (13), Serbia (1) and Mexico (1) – and 16 house searches, in which 3 vehicles were seized; luxury goods valued at more than 100,000 euros; some 80,000 euros in bank accounts; telephones and other electronic devices; and some 10,000 euros in cash. Also €30,000 in cryptocurrencies were frozen.
In addition, police examined a former drug laboratory, where they found traces of methamphetamine production. It also uncovered evidence of illicit dumping of chemicals, such as containers, chemical residues and burials in the surrounding area, indicating attempts to conceal these synthetic drug manufacturing activities.
Synthetic drug production and trafficking in the European Union (EU) is increasing significantly, as highlighted in the EU Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment 2025. Once limited to a few regions, production now reaches more EU member states, supplying both local and global markets.
Driven by high profits, the trade is marked by violent competition, corruption and infiltration of legal business structures.
As early as 2022, a joint report by Europol and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revealed growing collaboration between Mexican cartels and EU-based criminal networks. These alliances have been found to support local methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking and production in Europe.
Specifically, successful operations have revealed that Mexican groups provide their EU criminal associates with technical expertise, such as skilled methamphetamine “cooks”, and help set up cocaine conversion laboratories.
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