Large methamphetamine network dismantled – Eurojust

Report on International Law Enforcement Operation and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

An international law enforcement operation involving authorities from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova, with support from Eurojust and Europol, has successfully dismantled a transnational drug trafficking network. The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects involved in the production and distribution of methamphetamine across the European Union. This action represents a significant contribution to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by combating organized crime, and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by disrupting the supply of illicit narcotics.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The success of this cross-border initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By halting the production and distribution of methamphetamine, the operation directly addresses Target 3.5, which aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. The dismantling of this network prevents harmful narcotics from reaching consumers, thereby protecting public health and reducing the burden of addiction.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This operation is a clear manifestation of Target 16.4, which calls for a significant reduction in illicit financial and drug flows and combating all forms of organized crime. The effective international cooperation, facilitated by Eurojust and Europol, exemplifies Target 16.a, strengthening institutional capacity to combat crime through partnership.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The entire operation was predicated on a robust partnership between multiple national authorities and EU agencies. The formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) highlights the effectiveness of global partnerships in achieving security and justice objectives.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The criminal group’s use of a commercial company in Romania as a front undermines legitimate economic activity. By dismantling such operations, authorities help safeguard formal economies and promote a stable environment for sustainable growth.

Modus Operandi of the Criminal Enterprise

The international criminal group operated a sophisticated, multi-stage trafficking process:

1. Procurement of precursors for the production of pseudoephedrine.
2. Manufacture of methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories located globally, including in Egypt.
3. Smuggling of the methamphetamine into the European Union (specifically Czechia) by couriers utilizing tourist flights.
4. Transformation of the substance back into its crystalline form within the EU.
5. Distribution to consumers across various EU countries through an established network of dealers.

Framework for International Cooperation

The investigation’s success was built on a foundation of structured international cooperation, crucial for advancing SDG 16. In 2023, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was established at Eurojust, which facilitated real-time information sharing and strategic coordination. This framework allowed authorities to track the flow of illicit substances and build a robust case for prosecution. Eurojust further supported the effort by organizing coordination meetings, while Europol provided essential operational and analytical support from January 2024. Additional evidence was secured through European Investigation Orders executed in Hungary, Poland, and other EU Member States, demonstrating a united front against transnational crime.

Results of the Coordinated Action Day

On 11 November, simultaneous actions were executed across four countries, yielding the following results:

• Czech Republic: Eleven suspects were arrested. Seizures included drugs, cash, and electronic devices.
• Republic of Moldova: Two suspects were arrested. Two drug production and transport laboratories were dismantled. Authorities seized drugs and two vehicles equipped with hidden compartments.
• Hungary: Two suspects were arrested under European Arrest Warrants. Seizures included cash, mobile phones, laptops, and precursor chemicals such as red phosphorus and iodine.
• Romania: One search was conducted as part of the coordinated effort.

Participating Authorities

• Czech Republic: Municipal Prosecutor´s Office in Prague; National Antidrug Centre
• Hungary: Chief Prosecution Office of Somogy County; National Bureau of Investigation – Drug Enforcement Office within the Counter Terrorism Center
• Romania: Prosecution Office of the High Court of Cassation and Justice; Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism; Iasi Territorial Office; Iași Brigade for Combating Organize Crime Special Actions Service within the Iași County Police Inspectorate
• Republic of Moldova: Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases; General Inspectorate of Border Police

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article discusses the trafficking and production of methamphetamine, a substance sold to consumers, “fueling addiction.” This directly relates to the public health challenges posed by substance abuse.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This is the most central SDG in the article. The entire text focuses on dismantling an organized crime network involved in drug trafficking through international cooperation, law enforcement actions, and judicial processes. It highlights the importance of strong institutions and cross-border justice to combat illicit activities.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The success of the operation described in the article was entirely dependent on the partnership and cooperation between multiple countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Republic of Moldova) and international organizations (Eurojust, Europol). This exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnerships needed to address global challenges like organized crime.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. The operation aimed to dismantle a network that produces and sells methamphetamine, a narcotic drug, thereby disrupting the supply chain that “fuel[s] addiction” and contributing to the prevention of substance abuse.
• Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime. The article is a direct case study of combating organized crime by dismantling a drug trafficking network, which is a form of illicit flow. The seizure of drugs, cash, and precursors is a clear action towards this target.
• Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, to build capacity at all levels… to prevent violence and combat… crime. The article details how international cooperation through a joint investigation team (JIT), Eurojust, and Europol strengthened the capacity of national authorities in four countries to track, investigate, and dismantle a sophisticated criminal group.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for Target 3.5: While the article does not provide data on treatment or prevalence, the actions taken serve as an indirect indicator. The dismantling of two drug production laboratories and the seizure of precursor chemicals directly measure efforts to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics.
• Indicators for Target 16.4: The article provides several concrete quantitative indicators for measuring progress in combating organized crime:
  • Number of suspects arrested (15).
  • Seizure of illicit goods (drugs, cash, precursor chemicals like red phosphorus and iodine).
  • Number of criminal operations dismantled (one international network).
  • Number of illicit production sites dismantled (two laboratories).
• Indicators for Target 16.a: The article implies several indicators related to the strength and effectiveness of international cooperation:
  • The establishment and successful operation of a joint investigation team (JIT).
  • The number of countries and international bodies collaborating on a single case (four countries plus support from others, Eurojust, and Europol).
  • The use of formal cooperation instruments, such as European Arrest Warrants and European Investigation Orders.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: eurojust.europa.eu