Synthetic drugs are circulating in ever increasing quantities in the form of amphetamines and ecstasy pills. The compositions are varied in an uncontrolled manner and often prove to be life-threatening.
This market has long since overtaken other drug markets. No plantations or greenhouses are required, as is the case with cannabis. A small laboratory is sufficient. The world’s largest hub for this the Dutch province Brabant at the Belgium border.
In this region it was decided to take a multidisciplinary approach, where police, municipalities, the tax office and many other organisations cooperate to fight the undermining effect of drug production and trade on Dutch society. Also the regional drug addiction organisation Novadic Kentron plays a role, by regularly testing the pills of consumers.
The Dutch police are more determined than ever to crack down on the scene and sometimes resort to special methods. A team from ARD Brussels visits the Netherlands to film a special police action day against synthetic drug production.
For this TV reportage Featurez proposed to cover this topic, gave advice, did the research, set up and planning and accompanied the filming.