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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

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