National Threat Assessment 2008. Organised Crime - Politie

Other chemicals will probably be obtained more and more often via supply
companies in other EU countries, where inspections are less strict compared to
the Netherlands and where less knowledge is present about possible illegal use.
The hardware encountered is manufactured industrially and often second-hand.
As a result of several successful criminal investigations, certain hardware appears
to be more difficult to obtain. As a result, self-manufactured hardware is
currently found as well. Hardware may have to be purchased from further away
in the next few years – from Asia, for example.
The backgrounds of the people involved in synthetic drugs crime are expected
to change very little. The Chinese may start focusing more on BMK in addition
to PMK, as BMK is also produced in China. In addition, it is also possible that, by
tagging along with the increased flow of goods from China to the EU, (assistants
and confidants of) Dutch drug producers will be buying precursors directly in
China. Dutch Moroccans have recently acquired a position in the trading in
precursors and other chemicals.
The incidents that occurred and items that were found in the Netherlands
in 2006 and 2007 indicate a possible increase in the availability of
methamphetamine, which is worrying, as it reduces the barrier to using it.
However, not enough information is currently available to make valid statements
about these developments.
It should also be pointed out that seizures and information obtained in criminal
investigations could indicate increased trading in mCPP, LSD and ketamine.
The locations of the most important markets are, however, unknown. The
popularity of ketamine appears to be increasing among young user groups.
If the substance is consumed with alcohol, a dangerous combination is
created, which may result in a coma if a large dose is taken.
2.4.7 Conclusion
The Netherlands is expected to maintain its leading position as a country that
produces synthetic drugs in the next few years. The scale of the synthetic drugs
market is considerable, as is shown by use, seizures and the production locations
that were found. The consequences vary from physical dangers for laboratory
workers involved in production and people living in the vicinity of production
locations to liquidations within criminal circles and from loss of reputation
suffered by companies and unfair competition to environmental pollution and
harm to the reputation of the Netherlands abroad. All in all, the consequences
are therefore serious. The vast majority of the activities on this illegal market are
related to ecstasy and amphetamine, which is why the production of, trade in
54 National Threat Assessment 2008 – Organised crime