More and more cocaine smuggling via the port of Hamburg
December 18, 2023

The role of the port in Hamburg in global cocaine smuggling is increasing. This is evident from research statistics by German customs and police. German authorities have already seized more than 35 tons of cocaine this year, most of it in the port of Hamburg.

According to information from NDR, the actual catch will amount to more than 40 tons, because not all cocaine finds have yet been statistically registered. Just a few years ago, such quantities seized would have been unthinkable in Germany.

Authorities believe the increasing record seizures are evidence that overall more cocaine is reaching Europe. The rule of thumb among customs officials is that for every kilo of cocaine found, another nine kilos end up unnoticed on the European black market.

Corruption
Areport from Europol stated earlier this year that corrupt contacts within the three largest European ports (Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg) logistics companies in the port and shipping industry are a major weak spot in the fight against international cocaine trafficking. The port of Hamburg is the third largest port in Europe, after the port of Rotterdam and the port of Antwerp.

Shift
Last year there were also a number of shootings in Hamburg that were allegedly linked to drug gangs. The port of Hamburg has become more attractive to criminals and senior narcotics investigators are concerned that the huge increase in seizures in Germany reflects a shift in trends in the international drug market.