On 5 November 2026, a strategy for combating the industrial production of synthetic drugs in Europe was presented before the LIBE Committee of the European Parliament. The speech was delivered by a representative of the Central Criminal Police Office (CBŚP), who highlighted the scale of the phenomenon and the necessity of changes in EU regulations concerning chemical precursors. The debate provided an opportunity to discuss operational experiences and the role of the EMPACT platform in coordinating actions at the European level.
Scale of production in Poland
During the session, it was emphasized that the European Union has ceased to be merely a consumption market for substances smuggled from other continents, becoming one of the key centers for the production of synthetic drugs. Data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction indicate a dramatic increase in the number of illegal laboratories. According to the European Drug Report 2026, out of 63 production sites for synthetic cathinones reported in the EU in 2024, 47 were located on Polish territory. The presentation was based on these statistics and an analysis of changes in the character of the European drug market.
Operation OSA and operational results
As an example of the effectiveness of international cooperation, the results of Operation OSA were presented. During the action, conducted in cooperation with Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, three illegal laboratories engaged in the production of, among other things, methadone and alpha-PVP were dismantled. 15 people were detained, and authorities seized 268 kg of methadone and 153 kg of alpha-PVP. In materials cited before the MEPs, it was emphasized that this operation is further proof of the possibility of effectively targeting international criminal structures responsible for the industrial-scale production of drugs.
Impact on European legislation
A significant element of the debate was the discussion on the reform of EU regulations concerning drug precursors. It was explained that new regulations aim to limit criminals' access to substances necessary for drug production before illegal activities begin. The administrative mechanisms contained in the new provisions are intended to serve as a barrier for organized crime groups. The importance of the Pact on Threats Related to Synthetic Drugs, adopted by the Council of the EU in June 2025 during the Polish presidency, was also mentioned. This document identifies the EMPACT platform as one of the key instruments in responding to these threats.