The production and trafficking of synthetic drugs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy pills and LSD is a global and constantly-changing phenomenon.

Since, unlike heroin or cocaine, production is not limited to any specific agricultural zone, clandestine laboratories can be located anywhere in the world, as essential chemicals can be easily diverted from their lawful destinations.

No single organized crime group or region dominates the synthetic drug trade anymore, and the sophistication of the laboratory is less relevant than previously, as more and more small manufacturers set up.

The synthetic drug trade is multi-dimensional in terms of precursor chemical availability, manufacturing equipment (both sophisticated and improvised), expertise and movement of the finished product.

The Internet plays an important role for marketing, and also as a trading platform for this type of crime.

Smuggling patterns constantly change

International organized criminal groups have developed highly professional methods for concealing the illegal transportation of goods and handling the huge profits safely. Traffickers have subsequently developed complex, ever-changing routes – distributed worldwide – to circumvent customs and police search measures.

Synthetic drugs are being produced illegally in large quantities, beyond the levels needed to meet local demand in almost all continents. In addition, the diversity of clandestine laboratories around the world means that smuggling patterns may only exist for a short period of time.

New synthetic drugs – often specifically designed by well-trained specialists to circumvent any existing national laws – appear with increasing frequency on drug markets. The appearance of these so-called designer drugs is often favoured by different national narcotics laws.

The global emergence of synthetic drugs is a concern for all international law enforcement authorities. Information reported by INTERPOL member countries confirms the widespread production and trafficking of ATS.

INTERPOL plays an active role in collecting information about the large-scale production of synthetic drugs and the criminal organizations involved in trafficking. It makes analytical results on new modus operandi and routes or on the appearance of new synthetic drugs not yet covered by narcotics laws available to law enforcement agencies around the world.

Comprehensive awareness-raising and training activities are implemented and a global network of experienced national drugs officers has been created.