News
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PENTION Presented at European Commission Workshop on Research and Innovation Against Illicit Drugs
PENTION project was presented at the European Commission’s CERIS workshop on research and innovation against illicit drugs. On 5–6 May 2026, the European Commission hosted the workshop “Research and innovation against illicit drugs: from foresight to operational impact” in Brussels, bringing together policymakers, practitioners, EU agencies, researchers, civil society and industry to discuss how EU-funded…
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PENTION Project video: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
Our partner video series comes to an end with a key associated partner in the PENTION project. In this episode, we feature RIEC Limburg, representing the regional and operational perspective in tackling organised crime and synthetic drug production. Regions like Limburg are directly impacted by the rapid growth of synthetic drug activities, making local coordination…
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PENTION Project video: A Law Enforcement Perspective
Our partner video series continues with a key institutional actor in the PENTION project. In this episode, we feature the Netherlands Police, who bring essential operational insight into the fight against synthetic drugs. The rapid rise of new psychoactive substances represents a growing cross-border threat in Europe. Law enforcement agencies are at the forefront of…
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PENTION Project video: The Role of Research and Validation
This episode focuses on the academic dimension of the PENTION project. In this video, we feature the University of Sannio, a key academic partner in the PENTION project. Universities play a crucial role in bridging scientific research and technological innovation. Within PENTION, the University of Sannio contributes with its expertise to support the development, testing,…
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PENTION at EUROPOL’s Headquarters
Last week, PENTION joined Europol’s annual networking and alignment meeting bringing together Horizon Europe security projects at Europol’s Headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands. The event was a great opportunity to present the PENTION project to law enforcement agencies, EU institutions and fellow Horizon Europe projects, and to explore synergies with other cutting-edge security research…
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PENTION Project video: Advancing Technology for Synthetic Drug Detection
In this episode, we feature SN Innovative Technologies Inc., a key partner in the PENTION project. Within PENTION, Innovative Technologies contributes its expertise in advanced technologies to support the development of innovative solutions for detecting and identifying synthetic drugs and their precursors. By working on cutting-edge approaches and collaborating with partners across Europe, ITI plays…
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PENTION Project video: Developing Mobile Detection Solutions
In this episode, we highlight the role of STAM within the PENTION project. STAM is responsible of the development of the sampling systems and the adaptation of the DMA analyser for integration into a mobile unit. This will enable on-site detection and analysis of synthetic drugs, even in rural or remote areas where clandestine laboratories…
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PENTION Project video: Vision and Objectives of the Project
We are excited to launch our video series introducing the partners of the PENTION project! We begin with the project coordinator MION Technologies, who shares the vision and ambition behind PENTION. PENTION project addresses a major societal challenge: the rapid evolution of synthetic drugs and the need for more effective detection technologies. The project aims…
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Major Europol operation highlights the importance of advanced detection technologies such as PENTION
Synthetic drugs remain a priority area for European security cooperation given their rapid evolution and the capacity of criminal organisations to adapt production techniques. This operation underscores the importance of sustained collaborative efforts across the EU and neighbouring regions. A major law enforcement action coordinated by Europol has led to 103 arrests and the dismantling…
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Unprecedented strike: EUROPOL dismantles 24 industrial-scale synthetic drug labs
Photo Credit: Europol A massive international law enforcement operation, coordinated by Europol, has dealt a historic blow to synthetic drug production in Europe. Known as operation FABRYKA, the investigation led to the dismantling of 24 industrial-scale laboratories across the European Union. The operation involved law enforcement authorities from six countries: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland,…