German Customs celebrates 75th anniversary in Berlin

German Customs celebrated its 75th anniversary on September 12 with a large-scale event held in the garden of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin. Approximately 2,500 visitors attended the festivities, which were organized jointly by the Berlin Main Customs Office, the Berlin-Brandenburg Customs Investigation Office, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The program offered public insights into the agency's diverse operations. Highlights included demonstrations by customs dogs, Dara and Inge, showcasing their tracking capabilities, and presentations by field trainers on the techniques used by officers during deployments. The investigation department provided information on current criminal activities, including money laundering, narcotics, illegal cigarette trade, and the illicit sale of vapes.

Interactive activities allowed attendees to participate in vehicle searches to experience the work of customs investigators firsthand. The event also featured a raffle organized by the Björn Schulz Foundation to benefit the Sonnenhof Children's Hospice, with prizes provided by various sponsors.