- In 2022, Customs authorities confiscated significantly more illicit substances than in previous years.
Frankfurt (Oder) Customs officers confiscated over double the amount of illegal substances in 2023 compared to the preceding year. Through focused inspections on vehicular traffic in Brandenburg, customs agents uncovered approximately 1,600 instances related to 36 kilograms of illicit narcotics in 2023. In contrast, only 16 kilograms were seized in 2022.
Yet, Astrid Pinz, a spokesperson for the main customs office, clarified that these figures do not necessarily signal a rise in smuggling activities. "It hinges on whether there are any massive drug seizures," stated Pinz. "Such occurrences can easily distort the statistics."
The following statement was made by Astrid Pinz regarding the significant increase in drug seizures: This trend may not indicate an escalation in smuggling operations, as it could merely be a result of large-scale drug seizures that can significantly affect the overall statistics.
Moving forward, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, Frankfurt (Oder) Customs officials may decide to: The following shall be added to their strategies: focusing on intelligence-led operations and collaborating more closely with international customs agencies to track down and apprehend major drug smugglers.
