The frequency of drug lab dismantling in Spain is causing growing concern among Spanish authorities. Criminal organisations are increasingly relocating production labs for synthetic drugs like ecstasy, methamphetamine, and synthetic cannabis to Spain.
This year, the Spanish National Police have dismantled four designer drug labs, including three for MDMA (ecstasy) and one for synthetic cannabis. Additionally, the Guardia Civil reported the dismantling of at least two secondary labs, where drugs are processed into their final products, such as pills. Though these numbers may seem low, investigators view this as a significant shift, indicating that drug organisations are moving their production operations to Spain.
Production and processing in Spain
Chief Inspector Alejandro Martín-Blas of the National Police explained that drugs are often partially produced elsewhere and then completed in Spain. Ingredients, known as precursors, are imported legally disguised as other products and then processed into synthetic drugs in Spanish labs. These precursors attract less attention compared to finished drugs like small pink pills or packets of cocaine.
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Domestic and export markets
While synthetic drug production in Europe is mainly intended for markets outside the EU, there is a risk of increasing domestic use within Europe. Official figures from 2022 show a 16% rise in speed seizures and a 28% increase in methamphetamine seizures in Spain, although ecstasy pill seizures decreased by 26%. This suggests that while the primary goal is export, some of the drugs remain within Spain.
European production and monitoring
Most synthetic drugs in Europe are produced in the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland, targeting markets in Germany, Italy, the UK, and Spain. The majority of raw materials for these drugs are banned, with ongoing updates to control lists thanks to cooperation between health and law enforcement agencies, and organisations like the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and the EU Drug Monitoring Centre. However, criminal organisations continuously adapt their formulas, challenging authorities to keep up.
Health risks and enforcement challenges
Despite representing a small portion of the EU’s total drug trade, synthetic drugs pose significant health risks. Ecstasy accounted for 2.1% and methamphetamine for 1.4% of Europe’s drug trade in 2022. The increasing seizures of methamphetamine are particularly concerning due to its severe neuropsychiatric effects. Martín-Blas, a synthetic drug specialist for 17 years, notes that methamphetamine can cause serious mental health issues in a short time, making it one of the most destructive drugs alongside heroin and crack.
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