Authorities seize over 150kg of cannabis in cross-border drug operations

During an international week of coordinated drug smuggling controls held between September 28 and October 4, law enforcement agencies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland seized more than 150 kilograms of cannabis. The operation, coordinated by the State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg, involved the inspection of nearly 5,000 individuals and over 1,500 vehicles across road, rail, air, and postal networks.

Significant seizures included over 100 kilograms of marijuana and more than 50 kilograms of hashish discovered at a postal distribution center in Baden-Württemberg. Additionally, five kilograms of cocaine were found at Zurich Airport. Other successes included the discovery of a cannabis plantation in Austria and the seizure of various medications in Bavaria.

Beyond narcotics, the inspections uncovered violations of traffic, immigration, and weapons laws, as well as document forgery. Authorities noted that the results highlight the necessity of continued international cooperation through groups like the ‘Arbeitsgruppe Südwest’, which has been developing strategies against cross-border crime since 1979.