BTN News: Italian authorities said on Monday that they have seized over six tons of chemicals from China. These chemicals could make millions of MDMA pills, also called ecstasy. The value of these pills would be 630 million euros (678 million dollars).
Details of the Seizure and the Amount of Drug Precursors Confiscated
Investigators took shipments from China that had 6,337 tons of chemicals. These chemicals could make over 63 million MDMA pills, as per Italian customs.
Two Chinese citizens were arrested in the Netherlands. A businessman from Milan, in northern Italy, is under investigation. He is thought to have managed the import of these chemicals. These chemicals are legal but can be used to make illegal drugs. He is believed to have sold them in the Netherlands.
First Discovery and Follow-up Seizures by the Authorities
The first seizure was in 2022 at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. Goods were declared as “polyester powder coating,” but they had “white powder grains and yellowish flakes.” Lab tests showed the substance was PMK, a chemical used to make MDMA. It is usually used to make perfumes.
The shipment was to pass through a company in Milan with warehouses in Varese, Lombardy. From there, it was to be sent to the Netherlands. Later, 2,124 tons of BMK, used to make amphetamines and methamphetamines, were also found. Another 4,213 tons of PMK were found in the Milan businessman’s warehouses in Varese.
Impact and International Cooperation between Italian and Dutch Authorities
Italian customs said that the 6,337 tons of PMK and BMK seized in Italy could make over 63 million MDMA pills. These pills could have flooded the European market and earned 630 million euros in illegal profits.
Dutch police, with help from Italian authorities and the European agency Eurojust, found a storage place. They seized tens of kilograms of PMK, ketamine, methylamine, and hashish there.
Role of China in the Production and Export of Drug Precursors
When asked about the case, a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said they were not informed. “China strongly punishes drug crimes and wants to cooperate internationally,” said Mao Ning in a press conference.
China is the world’s largest producer of chemicals used to make synthetic drugs. The United States has said China is not doing enough to stop the production and export of these chemicals to the US.
Conclusion
The seizure of over six tons of drug chemicals from China shows the ongoing international fight against drug trafficking. China plays a big role in the global supply of these chemicals. Cooperation between countries and agencies is key to stopping the illegal drug trade.
