Customs seizes thousands of kilograms of drugs — 2025 balance and current finds

The customs authorities in Germany and Austria have drawn up a remarkable balance in drug enforcement for 2025. Zeit Online reports that investigators at Frankfurt Customs have seized hundreds of kilograms of prohibited substances – criminals attempted to smuggle large quantities of narcotics past customs.

The recent finds demonstrate the extent of smuggling attempts: Welt reports that customs stopped a suspect at entry with 31 kilograms of marijuana. Another find occurred at Vienna-Schwechat Airport, where Kurier reports that 37 kilograms of cannabis plant material were seized in suitcases. A 19-year-old French woman was arrested in this case.

Smuggling networks use modern routes

These individual finds are part of a larger pattern: Stern documents that smugglers regularly attempt to bring drugs into the country via airports and border crossings. The authorities use modern control techniques and investigative methods to prevent such transports.

The quantities point to organized structures: while individual travelers are caught with smaller amounts, the thousands of kilograms in the annual balance show that larger smuggling networks are also active. Customs authorities are increasing their presence at airports and border crossings to detect such attempts early. Experts warn that demand for illegal drugs in Europe remains high and criminals are therefore constantly trying new routes and methods.