The German Customs Authority has reported a significant increase in investigations and seizures of illegal substances in 2024, with over 10,000 proceedings initiated nationwide to combat the cross-border trafficking of controlled substances. According to the annual report, the majority of the illegal cocaine was smuggled by sea, with a total of 32 tons of controlled substances seized, including 16 tons of cocaine.
In addition to the drug seizures, customs officials also confiscated over 205 million contraband cigarettes and five million counterfeit products. The agency’s efforts in combating illegal work and employment resulted in the initiation of approximately 97,000 criminal and 50,000 administrative proceedings, with a total damage of over 766 million euros attributed to illegal labor.
As a financial authority, the customs agency collected a total of 150 billion euros in 2024, including 79 billion euros in customs and value-added taxes, 60 billion euros in consumption taxes and around 10 billion euros in vehicle taxes, as well as two billion euros in air travel taxes.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil emphasized the crucial role of the customs agency in maintaining national security and protecting the economy, stating, “The current annual report shows that the customs agency makes an indispensable contribution to the security of our country and the protection of our economy.” The minister also announced plans to grant the agency additional investigative powers to combat financial crime and illegal work more effectively.