The value of the European opiates market has been estimated at approximately EUR 12 billion. The most commonly used drug in the EU is cannabis followed by cocaine.
OCGs exploit the demand for drugs in the EU and generate huge profits, often trafficking different types of drugs.
In June 2014, Europol supported Hungarian Operation Sziget. An international OCG responsible for the production and distribution of NPS was targeted. Significant amounts of drugs and production equipment were seized, and six Hungarian suspects were arrested.
Link suspected between deaths and new psychoactive substance: 4-methylaminorex, para-methyl derivative:
DownloadThe consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPS) entails significant health risks and has led to deaths throughout Europe. In 2013, a new drug, 4,4’-DMAR, was linked to 26 deaths in Hungary and the United Kingdom. Between November 2013 and April 2014, another new synthetic drug, MT-45, was associated with 13 non-fatal intoxications and 21 deaths in Sweden.
Many NPS mimic the effect of ‘traditional’ drugs like cocaine and cannabis, but are sold at lower prices. Europol and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drugs Addiction (EMCDDA) monitor these threats and work with Member States to identify new trends and combat the distribution of NPS.
In August 2014, Europol supported Scottish authorities in the implementation of Operation Redwall, which targeted NPS through nationwide operational activities including an awareness-raising campaign.
