New CEPOL eLesson offers a virtual tour of an illicit MDMA laboratory

3,4-methyIenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA), which is known colloquially as ecstasy or “E” among other names, is the most widely consumed synthetic stimulant drug globally.

Although Europe’s MDMA market remains relatively small compared to those in Asia, Australia and North America, there are signs that it might be growing. There is large-scale production of MDMA in Europe both for domestic consumption and for export. The MDMA consumed in the EU is almost exclusively produced within Europe, and the value of the domestic retail market was estimated to be around EUR 0.5 billion in 2019. Despite the coronavirus pandemic disruption to nightlife, high-strength MDMA products remain a concern.

European MDMA-production facilities tend to be highly professional and have shown a trend towards increasing sophistication over recent years, with greater automation being a notable feature, and new production methods yielding purer and cheaper products.

Recognising the importance of equipping EU law enforcement officials with the necessary tools to counter such phenomena, CEPOL designed this eLesson on illicit MDMA (ecstasy) laboratories. It takes only 60 minutes to complete and it aims to familiarise officers with the fundamental characteristics of illicit synthetic MDMA laboratories, the key steps involved in MDMA production, the safety hazards associated with illegal MDMA laboratories and the procedures necessary for the crime-scene management and dismantling of illicit MDMA production sites.

This eLesson offers a virtual tour of an illicit MDMA laboratory in which two different production methods are shown. The virtual tour can be viewed from laptops/desktops, mobile devices and virtual reality goggles. The latter creates an immersive experience which enhances the retention of learning by placing the learner right in the middle of context-rich content in an authentic environment.

In addition, the eLesson has a glossary of MDMA-related terms and abbreviations. Learners can check their levels of understanding of the topic by considering a selection of quiz questions. Upon successful completion of the quiz, learners will obtain a badge as well as a certificate.

Enrol via CEPOL's online learning platform LEEd.

Watch this video to find out more about this eLesson.

About eLessons

CEPOL eLessons are 60 minutes digital training and learning resources designed to address emerging and current training needs of law enforcement officials.

They are compact and easy-to-follow, covering current topics presented engagingly with a focus on practical applicability. Users learn individually, at their own pace, and in an explorative way. Trainers can embed eLessons in their formal training – be it as a requirement in national curricula or as a pre-course activity for a CEPOL training activity. Students will obtain certificates and badges upon successful completion of the corresponding online tests. The job-aids embedded in eLessons ensure that the learners will more easily transfer the knowledge and skills learned into their every-day practice.

All LEEd users can enrol to eLessons free of charge, without nomination by a CEPOL National Unit/CEPOL National Contact Point.

---