A record shipment of nearly one metric ton of MDMA was seized in Europe

Police in Spain and the Netherlands conducted a joint operation during which they seized nearly a metric ton of MDMA. This is the largest shipment of this synthetic drug ever confiscated in Europe.

Law enforcement officers arrested 15 people suspected of operating an international drug trafficking ring. Some of those arrested are already in custody. According to Spanish police, a total of 947 kilograms of MDMA were seized. The drugs were intended to be smuggled out of Europe and exchanged for cocaine from South America.

The investigation established that the supply chain ran through several countries. The drugs were to be shipped from the Belgian port of Antwerp to Ghana, and from there onward to countries in Latin America. The investigation began in early 2025. Law enforcement officials determined that the suspects were coordinating an international scheme involving participants from Spain and the Netherlands.

Joint raids were conducted in late January 2026 after police received information about preparations for another large shipment. Those arrested were charged with crimes against public health, participation in an organized criminal group, illegal possession of firearms, and electricity fraud.

In addition to the record-breaking shipment of MDMA, law enforcement officers also found 644 cannabis plants, three firearms, 46,000 euros in cash, and five luxury watches during the operation. The police note that the operation was one of the biggest blows to the international drug trade in Europe in recent years. This was reported by Reuters.