Overview

• By July 11, Spanish and Dutch forces had dismantled a six-zone MDMA synthesis facility in Amposta that produced thousands of kilograms of ecstasy over more than a year.
• Investigators seized 582 kg of MDMA, 722 L of MDMA oil, 31,000 L of liquid precursors, 2,085 kg of solid precursors and €28,600 in cash.
• The probe, launched in 2023 by Spain’s Udyco and the Dutch National Police, led to the May arrest of the alleged ringleader in Cambrils under a European arrest warrant.
• Authorities found industrial reactors, encrypted phones, cryptocurrency payments and six specialized production areas that underpinned tight operational security.
• Five suspects—including two lab technicians and a security chief—are in custody with four remanded in prison as prosecutions proceed and authorities warn of escalating synthetic drug threats.