Raid: Amphetamine labs searched in Germany, NL

In the early hours of Wednesday, 15 July, police convoys simultaneously rolled out to a total of thirteen properties in Germany and the Netherlands. Ten addresses in Germany and three more in the Netherlands were searched, and several people were arrested. Behind the coordinated major operation is an extensive investigation by the Krefeld Public Prosecutor's Office and Mönchengladbach Police against an allegedly internationally operating group suspected of running amphetamine laboratories.

The joint press release from the Krefeld Public Prosecutor's Office, Mönchengladbach Police and Europol makes clear the scale the case has already reached. The measures were carried out as part of the "Awari" investigation commission led by Mönchengladbach Police. The authorities worked in close coordination with Europol, the North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office and the Joint Precursor Monitoring Unit at the Federal Criminal Police Office.

International operation against suspected amphetamine laboratories

The focus of the proceedings is on the illegal production of amphetamine. Investigators believe the suspects procured precursors for illegal production on a scale of tons in various periods since 2025 and operated several amphetamine laboratories. The simultaneous searches in both countries mark a significant step in proceedings that extend beyond state and national borders and require cooperation between several security authorities at European level.

The crime scenes extend across several regions in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to Mönchengladbach, Viersen, Krefeld and Heinsberg, Dutch locations also play a central role.

Nine suspects from Germany and the Netherlands

The investigation currently targets nine German and Dutch individuals. They are accused of having been jointly and systematically involved in illegal amphetamine production. Specifically, they are charged with acquiring precursors on a large scale and operating several laboratories to manufacture the synthetic narcotic.

The suspects come from both countries and are believed to have been active over an extended period. The fact that investigators cite offense periods since 2025 suggests authorities responded quickly to initial leads. The arrest of several people during today's searches indicates that the Krefeld Public Prosecutor's Office and Mönchengladbach Police classify the allegations as serious and are prepared to take decisive action against the suspected network.

Precursors on a ton scale as a central allegation

A key part of the charges concerns the procurement of precursors for illegal amphetamine production. Investigators refer to quantities in the ton range – an indication of an industrially scaled alleged production. Such volumes suggest that not only small amounts for personal use were manufactured, but that a larger distribution network may have been involved.

The involvement of the Joint Precursor Monitoring Unit at the Federal Criminal Police Office underscores the importance of this aspect. The unit monitors trade in chemical starting materials that can be misused for illegal drug production. Its participation in the "Awari" investigation commission suggests authorities systematically tracked the suspects' procurement routes and uncovered possible supply chains across borders.

Searches in Kaldenkirchen and Niederkrüchten

In addition to the suspects' home addresses, possible production sites were the main focus for officers. Two warehouse buildings in the towns of Kaldenkirchen and Niederkrüchten in the Viersen district were particularly notable. Such properties are frequently used in drug investigations as possible production or interim storage sites, as they offer sufficient space for equipment, chemicals and intermediate products.

Kaldenkirchen is a district of the town of Nettetal, and Niederkrüchten is an independent municipality in the Viersen district. Both are located close to the Dutch border – a geographic context that fits the international allegations and underscores the cross-border dimension of the investigation. While ten properties were searched in Germany, three further searches took place in parallel in the Netherlands.

During the searches, criminal police secured numerous items of evidence that are now being analyzed. Which specific items, chemicals or production residues were seized was not detailed in the available report. The analysis is likely to be decisive for whether further arrests or indictment steps follow and how far the suspected network may extend.

Europol and specialists support the operation

International coordination was largely handled by Europol, the European police agency that supports cross-border investigations. In addition to Europol officers, the local fire department and a team from the Forensic and Technical Institute of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office also took part. The deployment of fire services and forensic specialists suggests that hazards from chemicals or production equipment played a role.

Amphetamine laboratories are considered particularly risky: uncontrolled chemical reactions can lead to explosions, fires or toxic fumes. That is why hazardous materials experts and fire departments are frequently called in for such operations. The forensic institute of the state criminal police office typically handles the technical securing and documentation of evidence from laboratories and ensures dangerous substances are handled properly.

Investigation commission "Awari" leads the case

Mönchengladbach Police is conducting the investigation in the "Awari" commission. This structure makes it possible to centrally manage complex cases with multiple crime scenes, numerous suspects and international links. The Krefeld Public Prosecutor's Office accompanies the proceedings as the responsible prosecuting authority. Both institutions emphasized in their joint statement that the investigation is ongoing and further steps cannot be ruled out.

Journalists' inquiries can be directed to the press office of Mönchengladbach Police. The authority published the joint report with Europol and the Krefeld Public Prosecutor's Office and provided contact details for media inquiries. Further details on those arrested, seized quantities or possible detention orders were not yet provided in the initial press release.