Customs Seized a Record Amount of Drugs and Controlled Substances Last Year
Finland's Customs seized a record-breaking 2,574 kilograms of illegal drugs last year, marking a significant increase from previous years, with a particularly large amount of cocaine and other substances confiscated.
In a recent report, Finland's Customs announced that they seized a historic total of 2,574 kilograms of illegal drugs in the past year, which is over 500 kilograms more than in the previous year. The report highlighted a staggering 87 kilograms of cocaine being confiscated, a quantity that is 30 kilograms higher than the amount seized in 2022. The seized cocaine was notably pure, with a composition between 80% and 90%, indicating that it could have been diluted significantly for the illegal drug trade, thereby producing numerous doses for users.
In addition to cocaine, the Customs report detailed substantial seizures of other illicit drugs, including ecstasy and marijuana, which mirrored the previous year's patterns. A notable spike was observed in the seizure of khat, with nearly 800 kilograms more than the previous year, bringing the total to 1,140 kilograms. Furthermore, there was a marked increase in the confiscation of controlled medical substances, surpassing 934,500 units — a clear rise compared to earlier years. The majority of these controlled substances consisted of alprazolam and clonazepam, which are commonly prescribed medications.
Amid increasing concerns about specific drugs, the Customs report noted a rise in the seizure of alpha-PVP, a synthetic stimulant associated with serious health issues. Last year, 10.6 kilograms of alpha-PVP were seized, a considerable figure since individual doses are measured in milligrams. This growing trend signifies ongoing challenges associated with drug control and public health in Finland, prompting authorities to strategize more effective ways of addressing the drug problem in the country.