National Threat Assessment 2008. Organised Crime - Politie
National Threat Assessment 2008. Organised Crime - Politie
National Threat Assessment 2008. Organised Crime - Politie
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Amphetamine, ecstasy and the other synthetic drugs mentioned above are<br />
mainly used for pleasure. In addition, there are synthetically prepared substances<br />
that have a different purpose, which include all kinds of substances that are<br />
known under the collective name ‘substances considered to be doping’ and that<br />
allegedly have a performance-enhancing effect. Anabolic steroids,<br />
corticosteroids and hormone preparations are examples of such substances.<br />
2.4.2 General context<br />
The production of synthetic drugs<br />
The logistics of producing and trading in synthetic drugs involves various steps:<br />
1. Procurement of precursors<br />
2. Procurement of other chemicals<br />
3. Procurement of hardware<br />
4. Organisation of a production location and staff<br />
5. Production (synthesis, crystallisation and tabletting)<br />
6. Dumping of waste products<br />
7. Selling of synthetic drugs<br />
The production of ecstasy and amphetamine requires PMK and BMK respectively,<br />
which are precursors that are unavailable in the Netherlands. PMK is legally<br />
produced in China, after which it is illegally shipped to other countries, mainly<br />
in ocean-going containers with cover loads. Nowadays, BMK mainly comes from<br />
Russia, where it is legally produced. The Russian government has issued permits<br />
to a few Russian companies to purchase the substance for processing in legal<br />
applications. Exporting BMK is not permitted; employees sell it illegally outside<br />
the factory gates. Relatively small batches of BMK are often found in the loading<br />
floors and fuel tanks of lorries.<br />
The other chemicals and solvents required are ordered from chemical suppliers<br />
in the Netherlands but companies abroad are increasingly being used as well.<br />
Legitimate or fictitious companies are used, for example, a tanning studio to<br />
order acetone. Chemicals can also be obtained through theft.<br />
The processing of chemicals also requires production equipment such as reaction<br />
vessels, heating mantles, spherical condensers and tabletting machines. This<br />
hardware is usually bought second-hand via legal companies or in criminal<br />
circles. Apparently, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain certain<br />
hardware, which is why nowadays criminal buyers go abroad more often for<br />
their business. This situation appears to be the consequence of the effective<br />
monitoring system in the Netherlands and the awareness of supply companies<br />
in the Netherlands. Monitoring and awareness are still at a low level abroad.<br />
The social network is crucially important when looking for a suitable location.<br />
chapter 2 – Illegal markets<br />
43