Swedish Customs Reports Record-High Drug Seizures in 2025

Swedish Customs has announced a significant increase in drug seizures during 2025, with a total of 10.5 metric tons of narcotics intercepted throughout the year. This marks the highest annual volume recorded by the agency and surpasses the previous year's figure of 9.8 tons.

The primary location for these interceptions remains the control facility at Lernacken near Malmö, situated by the Öresund Bridge, an entry point frequently targeted by drug traffickers. Authorities emphasize that, despite the impressive scale of visible seizures, these represent only a small fraction of the total volume trafficked into Sweden each year.

Detailed data from Swedish Customs reveals that most of the confiscated drugs belong to categories such as cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin. The breakdown for 2025 includes over 5,000 kilograms of cannabis, more than 1,100 kilograms of amphetamines, nearly 1,500 kilograms of cocaine, and a record-breaking 134 kilograms of heroin. The volume of heroin seized has seen a substantial rise from just 3 kilograms the previous year, attributed to a few large-scale interceptions and strengthened international intelligence cooperation.

The agency highlights several notable incidents, including the discovery of over 360 kilograms of amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin hidden within a trailer in Malmö's Norra Hamnen. In another operation, three metric tons of cocaine were found concealed in a shipping container at a fruit wholesaler in Helsingborg, marking the largest single seizure in Sweden to date.

Officials report that the increasing flow of cocaine is linked to both a surge in demand and a significant rise in production in South America. According to Swedish Customs, the production of cocaine in the region has increased fivefold in recent years. Large shipments are often transported to Europe via cargo vessels, especially those carrying fruit and vegetables.

Investigations reveal that smuggling operations are frequently orchestrated by organized crime groups originating from the Balkan region and parts of Africa. These groups utilize sophisticated logistics networks, often exploiting legitimate businesses as fronts for large-scale trafficking. Methods of heroin smuggling include both concealed packages within luggage and substances carried on or within individuals.

To counteract these developments, Swedish Customs has intensified its focus on dismantling organized criminal networks and has received increased resources to support these efforts. In 2025, the agency's criminal investigations led to the incarceration of 260 individuals linked to drug-related offenses.

Despite successes in narcotics control, the agency acknowledges ongoing challenges in combating weapons smuggling. Last year, customs officials confiscated approximately 44,000 explosive items, nearly double the previous year's total. However, only 20 firearms and no hand grenades were intercepted, which authorities consider insufficient given the scale of the issue.

Officials caution that the persistent high level of trafficking is driven by strong domestic demand. They emphasize that even small-scale purchases by individuals contribute to the financial strength of organized crime and perpetuate the illegal drug trade.

Swedish Customs continues to adapt its strategies to address evolving smuggling tactics and remains committed to safeguarding national borders against illicit trafficking.

Key Drug Seizures in 2025:

• Cannabis: 5,032 kilograms
• Amphetamines: 1,110 kilograms
• Cocaine: 1,493 kilograms
• Heroin: 134 kilograms

Source: Swedish Customs National Seizure Statistics 2025.