Advancing regional cooperation in South-Eastern Europe to Address Synthetic Drugs
19-21 May 2026 - Rome, Italy - The global market for synthetic drugs continues to expand, driven in part by the ability to produce these substances closer to consumer markets than plant-based drugs. This proximity provides criminal groups with several advantages, such as lower operational costs, few barriers to production and a reduced risk of detection, interdiction and prosecution.
According to the UNODC World Drug Report 2025, methamphetamine and amphetamine (including “captagon”) remain the dominate synthetic drugs in terms of both use and trafficking worldwide. In certain regions, amphetamine is the most used synthetic drug, most notably in Europe and the Near and Middle East.
To address this challenge, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe (ROSEE) brought together practitioners from the region for a specialized regional training on the rapid detection and analysis of new synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, and on promoting intelligence sharing to combat synthetic drug trafficking networks. The three-day training is part of the UNODC regional project “Support Preventive and Protective Measures from the Menace of Synthetic Opioids (Fentanyl) and New Synthetic Drugs in South-Eastern Europe with focus on the Balkan region – Phase I”, financed by theItalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Throughout the training, law enforcement representatives from Western Balkan jurisdictions, along with participants from Türkiye contributed with valuable insights on synthetic drug threats in their country and the wider region and engaged in interactive sessions covering key topics such as the identification and classification of synthetic drugs, emerging trafficking trends, digital marketplaces, and innovative investigative techniques through case studies.
The training placed strong emphasis on the critical role of forensic science in identifying and responding to rapidly evolving synthetic substances. Participants were introduced to advanced analytical techniques, including Raman spectroscopy. In that regard, a dedicated visit to a forensic police laboratory further enriched the learning experience, offering participants first-hand insight into modern equipment, testing procedures, analysis and the practical challenges faced by forensic specialists in real-case scenarios.
This exposure reinforced the importance of close cooperation between forensic services and law enforcement in effectively addressing emerging synthetic drug threats. The visit highlighted how timely laboratory analysis supports both investigations and early warning mechanisms.
The programme combined strategic and operational perspectives, addressing drug trafficking trends, the role of organised crime groups, as well as the importance of a coordinated institutional approach in the fight against sytntetic drugs.
The training course was delivered by the experts from the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga, an Italian multiagency body of the Department of Public Security under the direction of the Chief of Police. Their valuable experience and knowledge were crucial in transferring the knowledge to the participants, including a presentation of the Italian “National Prevention Plan against the Diverted Use of Fentanyl and of Other Sinthetic Opioids” a strategic framework aimed at preventing the misuse of these substances by strengthening control measures, raising awareness, and enhancing coordination among health, law enforcement, and regulatory authorities.
As synthetic drugs continue to adapt and proliferate, initiatives such as this training are essential in building resilience, enhancing preparedness, and safeguarding communities across South-Eastern Europe.
19-21 May 2026 - Rome, Italy - The global market for synthetic drugs continues to expand, driven in part by the ability to produce these substances closer to consumer markets than plant-based drugs. This proximity provides criminal groups with several advantages, such as lower operational costs, few barriers to production and a reduced risk of detection, interdiction and prosecution.
