Basic information

Investigator: MUDr. Tomáš Páleníček, Ph.D.
Main recipient: University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
Co-recipient: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Institute of Criminalistics of the Police of the Czech Republic
Research period: 01/09/2026 – 31/12/2030
Total budget: 43,048,597.00 CZK
NIMH budget: 18,735,597.00 CZK
Supported by: Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic (MV)

Annotation

The project focuses on the systematic search for, identification and toxicological assessment of new psychoactive substances (NPS) that form part of the activities of organised criminal groups operating on an international scale. The production, distribution and marketing of NPS take place via sophisticated networks utilising the darknet, cryptocurrencies, international precursor logistics and the rapid circumvention of  l legislation, which corresponds to the characteristics of organised crime posing a high level of danger to society.

The project responds to the fact that NPS are not merely a drug problem, but also pose a serious security threat. Some of these substances (e.g. highly potent opioids and synthetic cannabinoids) exhibit extreme toxicity at very low doses and are potentially susceptible to misuse for military, terrorist or hybrid purposes, including mass intoxication   of the population (e.g. aerosol application, water contamination or contamination of enclosed spaces). This brings  the issue of NPS into direct connection with the investigation of criminal offences threatening the life and health of individuals on a large scale. Another significant component of the project is the preparation of reference standards, spectral databases and methods enabling the rapid and unambiguous identification of substances in actual seizures.  

These tools are crucial for effective evidence-gathering in criminal proceedings, uncovering distribution networks and international cooperation in combating organised drug crime. At the same time, the project supports timely legislative responses through scientifically underpinned risk assessments of new psychoactive substances (NPS). A key contribution of the project also lies in the development and optimisation of antidotes and procedures for managing mass poisoning incidents, which strengthens the state’s ability to respond to

crisis situations caused by the deliberate or negligent misuse of these substances. This aspect goes beyond traditional drug-related crime and directly supports the security services in investigating and managing the most serious forms of organised crime with potentially massive consequences. The project thus fulfils the strategic objectives of security research in the Czech Republic.