The cooperation between Europol and other EU Member States achieved to break up an international organised crime network, responsible for the large-scale production and trafficking of synthetic drugs. Europol initiated ‘Operation Fire’, working together with several European law enforcement agencies, in order to dismantle the organised crime network and stop the large-scale production and trafficking of synthetic drugs within the European Union.

Europol reported that an international organised crime network, responsible for the large-scale production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, has been broken up following an extensive investigation by European law enforcement authorities. The ‘Operation Fire’ has resulted in the arrest of the key members of the criminal network, the discovery of 3 illegal drug production facilities and the seizure of over 100 kg of amphetamine, significant quantities of drug precursors, ammunition, firearms and explosives. In June 2011, an international police operation coordinated also by Europol seized almost one tonne of cocaine.

Europol’s Director, Rob Wainwright, assured that Europol will continue to proactively support EU Member States investigations with its intelligence and technical capabilities and Europol anticipates further results in this area of serious organised crime. Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs also highlighted that this joint operation goes to show just how immensely important it is for national law enforcement and Europol to effectively exchange information about dangerous criminal activities.

Cooperation was launched with Europol and other EU Member States when enquiries confirmed that an international criminal network was responsible for the large-scale production and trafficking of synthetic drug. As a result, in March 2011, based on intelligence and links identified between different countries, Europol initiated ‘Operation Fire’, working together with several European law enforcement agencies.