Olen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Federal Judicial Police raided an abandoned riding school in Olen, and discovered a secret synthetic drug laboratory, arresting a 62-year-old. The lab was used to produce MDMA, amphetamines, and potent cathinone stimulants.
As GVA News reported, police have discovered a secret synthetic drug laboratory in an abandoned riding school in Olen, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The Federal Judicial Police in Antwerp received information that the location was being used to produce illegal drugs.
Investigators worked with the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office to plan a raid. During the operation, police found a fully equipped lab with chemicals, machines, and other tools used to make synthetic drugs.
What happened at the synthetic drug lab discovered in Olen?
Officials said the lab was highly dangerous. The chemicals and equipment could cause fires or toxic accidents. Police are now working to identify the people responsible. The Antwerp Federal Judicial Police said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to stop organised drug production.
“A synthetic drug lab was discovered in an abandoned riding school on Neerheide in Olen,”
says Kristof Aerts, spokesperson for the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office.
“The 62-year-old resident was arrested.”
The Federal Police and the Clan Lab Response Unit (CRU) responded to a drug laboratory found in an abandoned riding school in Olen. Early investigations show the lab may have been used to produce MDMA, amphetamine, and cathinones, a group of strong stimulant drugs. Civil Protection teams secured and evacuated the site because of the dangerous chemicals and equipment.
“According to initial findings, the suspected illegal production of MDMA, amphetamine, and cathinones, a group of powerful stimulants, is suspected. Laboratory analysis may provide more clarity. Civil Protection is responsible for the safe evacuation of the site,”
the statement said.
A 62-year-old resident of the property was questioned by investigators and appeared before the investigating judge on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025.
“He was arrested on suspicion of violating the narcotics law while being in association.”
Police are continuing their investigation into the operation. Residents in the province of Antwerp can report suspicious activity at www.drugsplantageontdekt.be. The website allows citizens to safely and anonymously alert authorities about cannabis plantations, illegal drug labs, or the dumping of drug waste. The reporting centre is a joint initiative by the Public Prosecution Service, local police, and the Governor of Antwerp to improve safety and fight illegal drug activity.
Since 2019, Belgium has seen more illegal synthetic drug laboratories. Many were found in remote or abandoned buildings, such as farms, warehouses, and empty properties. Between 2020 and 2023, police regularly discovered these hidden labs.
In 2024, the number of raids increased, and by mid-2025, authorities had shut down 19 drug labs. Criminals mainly produce strong stimulants, including amphetamines, MDMA, and synthetic cathinones. These labs are often dangerous because of the chemicals used.
