Illicit laboratory dismantling – advanced (with Europol) - CEPOL 15/2017

During the period of 12 – 23 June 2017, an international training on handling the investigation casework in hazardous environment at illegal drug manufacturing site titled “Illicit laboratory dismantling – advanced” organized by Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police took place in Poland. The course 15/2017, in collaboration with Europol, took place in Jachranka, where the experts shared their knowledge with the course attendees in the form of lectures. The exercises were conducted at the International Training Centre on Combating Clandestine Laboratories (ITCCCL), Police Training Centre in Legionowo near Warsaw (Poland) where the trainees put their theoretical knowledge into practice.

31 trainees from 21 Member States and 2 from countries outside the EU took part in the course dedicated to law enforcement, custom and forensic service representative. During the course first-hand knowledge and expertise from practitioners of the most reputed bodies dealing with drug-related crimes -including EMCDDA, EUROPOL, DEA, Central Bureau of Investigation and Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police as well as the world-renowned company Thermo Scientific, which offers a range of solutions for laboratory experts- was shared among the participants. During the theoretical part, the experts discussed a range of topics related to production of synthetic drugs in Europe – the methods, current trends and developments backed up with case studies illustration. As part of the preparation for the raid, which was included in the curriculum, the experts provided the trainees with practical information on illicit laboratory equipment and facilities, illustrated safety instructions and raised awareness of the traps installed by laboratory workers, designed to make harm to the intruders. Practical workshops in laboratory dismantling allowed the trainees to use the theoretical resources in a mock-raid arranged by the trainers combined with collection of the evidence and decontamination.

As a result of merging the background of theoretical knowledge with the efforts put in practical exercises of immeasurable value, the trainees left Poland with new skills and knowledge which will serve as a powerful tool in their combat with drug-related crimes. The representative from Europol expressed his contentment with the overall results of the course: “Participants in this years’ training course performed really well during the different practical exercises. Their enthusiasm to learn throughout the two weeks was outstanding, and there was considerable improvement in their knowledge and understanding by the end of the course. I am fully convinced that this group will share the knowledge they gained with their colleagues in their home countries and units.”