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JRC Narcotics Laboratory

With facilities in Ispra (Italy) and in Geel (Belgium), this lab is equipped for fast recognition of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), drug precursors and identification of unknown chemicals. 

The Narcotics Laboratory plays a key role in the rapid identification of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), drug precursors, and unknown chemicals. It provides scientific and technical support to the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs and the Customs Laboratories European Network (CLEN). Over the past decade, the scientists working in the laboratory have analysed over 900 samples, identified 50 new NPS, and enhanced customs controls to prevent illicit substances from entering the EU market.​

The laboratory facilitates precise molecular characterisation and efficient field analyses, positioning its facilities at the forefront of drug analysis. It is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical technologies, including high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), advanced infrared (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy capabilities, as well as handheld Raman instruments for rapid, on-site substance identification.

Supporting the European Union Drugs Agency

The facilities collaborate closely with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and represents the European Commission within its network of forensic and toxicological laboratories. The laboratory assists the EUDA in identifying emerging drugs, characterising high-risk substances such as synthetic opioids, and elucidating of the structures of new NPS for formal notification. It also contributes to the compilation of comprehensive spectroscopic data libraries (NMR, FT-IR), facilitating data sharing across EU.

Related links

Study: Identification of new psychoactive substances (NPS) by Raman spectroscopy

EU scientists fight against growing drug market with 'encyclopedia' of legal highs