Tackling synthetic drugs worldwide
The production and trafficking of synthetic drugs is a worldwide phenomenon. Amphetamine and XTC (mdma) production takes place in Europe and Asia, methamphetamine is concentrated in the United States. The exportation and use of these drugs takes place all over the world!

When we take a closer look at the process of producing specific synthetic drugs, it becomes clear that different countries from all over the world are involved. With regard to the production of MDMA for example, we see that the Netherlands, together with Belgium are viewed as the countries where the tablets are being produced. Before the tablets can be produced however, precursor chemicals have to be imported, mostly from South-east Asia. And after the tablets have been produced, they will have to be exported and distributed; not only to neighbouring countries such as Germany, France and England, but also further away, like Australia, Japan, United States, Canada and Turkey. New EU countries largely form the external borders of Europe. They can play an important role in preventing the importation of the precursor chemicals and exportation of the synthetic drugs to the rest of the world.

by Chairman of the
Steering Committee,
Cees van Spierenburg

In short, a worldwide problem, which can only be tackled through intensive international cooperation.

In the Netherlands, there has already been multidisciplinary cooperation for some time in combating the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs. In Belgium as well, the investigation services are working more and more together.
The Netherlands and Belgium have joined forces, and are now jointly organising SYNDEC II, in order to give international cooperation a new impetus.

The SYNDEC II conference is aimed at international and multidisciplinary practice. There has been regular cooperation in criminal investigations as well as in customs operations. How did this cooperation work out? What investigative techniques and tactics can be used? What are the legal bottlenecks? The possibilities and impossibilities will be mapped out on the basis of actual cases. In this way, we will be able to learn from one another and make improvements, so that even more results can be achieved in the future in the international fight against synthetic drugs.

Cees van Spierenburg, Chairman of the Steering Committee