An international operation supported by Europol has led to the detention of 103 people and the dismantling of 36 clandestine laboratories producing synthetic drugs, the European police agency said.
The operation took place from February 12 to 17, 2026, and covered Ukraine, Poland and Moldova. According to law enforcement authorities, the network was engaged in the production and distribution of synthetic drugs, primarily synthetic cathinones, including alpha-PVP.
During coordinated inspections at around 510 addresses, 36 illegal production facilities and 74 warehouses containing finished products were dismantled. In total, 129 people became suspects in criminal cases, with 103 of them detained.
Investigators believe that the network operated in several countries, including Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.
The alleged organiser is described as a Ukrainian citizen who, according to law enforcement, set up and equipped laboratories and coordinated the supply of precursors and equipment through legal business structures. Investigators believe he had stable ties with Polish criminal groups.
As a result of the operation, dozens of tonnes of chemical substances and hundreds of kilograms of drugs were seized, including more than 229 kilograms of alpha-PVP, 156 kilograms of amphetamine and over 67 kilograms of mephedrone. Cash in various currencies, virtual assets and 41 vehicles were also confiscated.
According to Europol, members of the network used legal companies to import chemical substances, including precursors that were not subject to control at the time of delivery. This scheme allowed risks to be distributed and made it more difficult to detect laboratory activities across different countries.
Europol stressed that the agency provided analytical and operational support, including real-time data exchange. Law enforcement agencies from Ukraine, Poland and Moldova took part in the operation, along with customs and border services.
