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. Since clandestine drug laboratories can be located in any part of the world, the trafficking of synthetic drugs can constitute either a domestic or international problem. No single organized crime group or region dominates the synthetic drug trade , as evidenced by the increase in seizures of both laboratories and drugs in every part of the world.

Production

Although there are significant differences in the sophistication of clandestine laboratories, particularly between the production of MDMA and methamphetamine, clandestine laboratories can be located anywhere in the world, because of the diversion of essential chemicals from their lawful destinations.

Europe, most notably countries in Western Europe, remains a major source for the large-scale production of Ecstasy. An increase in production in Eastern Europe, however, is noteworthy as it could indicate a significant shift in the source of supply. Recent production trends include polydrug manufacturing and multi-site operations , whereby different stages of drug synthesis are carried out at different locations. Reports have emerged from Eastern European countries concerning the production of a mphetamine tablets which are being produced for illicit markets in Middle Eastern countries.

North America, most notably the United States, faces a two-pronged threat from methamphetamine. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 65% of the methamphetamine available in the U.S. is produced in Mexico; the balance is produced in clandestine laboratories in the U.S. Although the number of large-scale laboratories seized in the U.S. has declined in recent years , the number of small improvised laboratories has increased. According to data from the National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System , there were more than 10,000 clandestine laboratories seized in the U.S. in 2003. The number of methamphetamine laboratories seized in Canada was far smaller. Canadian authorities have recently addressed the country’s methamphetamine problem by tightening precursor chemical controls and raising the penalties for methamphetamine trafficking. Although MDMA trafficking and abuse in both countries appear to be declin ing, the drug is still readily available.

Southeast Asia has become a key region for the production of synthetic narcotics, most notably methamphetamine. INTERPOL is playing an active role in the region by collecting information concerning the large-scale production of synthetic drugs and the criminal organizations involved.

Seizures

Large seizures of ATS reported by INTERPOL member countries reflect a global market for this type of drug. Since the scope of production is not limited to specific agricultural zones, production facilities in any part of the world can feed the demand, creating smuggling patterns which may exist for only a short period of time.

Seizures of MDMA reported to the General Secretariat declined notably from the peak in 2001. Although this may reflect a general drop in demand for the drug, particularly in Europe and North America, there are indications of a growing Asian market.

Internet-related drug offences

An estimated 890 million people have Internet access , with the majority in Asia, Europe and North America. Criminals exploit the benefits of e - mail, file - sharing, interactive collaboration and secure communications. The potential for abuse remains significant since the regulation and management of the Internet is controlled by private companies rather than a single regulatory agency.

An increasing number of criminals are using the Internet as a medium to exchange information on drugs or production methods, and to offer advice on where and how to obtain precursor chemicals and equipment for the production of synthetic drugs. Although the sale of drugs such as MDMA or GHB is generally not advertised on the Internet, suppliers and customers are able to meet through Internet bulletin boards and chat rooms. INTERPOL has launched an initiative to become a global platform for the co - ordination and monitoring of Internet-related drug offenses, managed by the Psychotropics Desk at the General Secretariat.