An international operation coordinated by INTERPOL against drug trafficking in Southeast Asia led to record seizures of synthetic drugs valued at some $1.05 billion.

With the value of drugs seized stemming from just 58 seizures, the operation highlighted the considerable profits crime networks make from the synthetic drug market and the threat posed to all regions by transnational organised crime groups.

The operation (22 July – 7 August) involving Australia, Cambodia, Korea, Myanmar, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam, also revealed information about the evolution of trafficking routes and threats.

A seizure of nearly 900 kg of crystal methamphetamine in Sydney was traced back to the United States.

This aligns with intelligence suggesting that the source of Australia’s methamphetamine is shifting from Southeast Asia to North America, driven by closer ties between Australian transnational organized crime groups and Mexican cartels, indicating changes in global drug trafficking routes.

The seizure of 1.5 tonnes of ketamine in Southeast Asia further points to the region as a major source of this drug for global markets, with the rapid growth of the ketamine market reflected in the high volumes seized.

Another emerging threat identified involves ‘Happy Water’, a synthetic drug popular in Southeast Asia’s nightlife, which contains methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, benzodiazepines, and caffeine. Happy Water is marketed in commercial-style packaging, misleading consumers about its highly dangerous content.

“Drug trafficking remains the cornerstone of transnational organised crime,” INTERPOL’s Secretary General Jürgen Stock said. “It is also fuelling increased violence in the streets, undermining businesses, communities and even countries.

“This is why these operations are important, a collaborative effort to tackling this global scourge.”

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