Norwegian customs officials report a dramatic increase in drug smuggling via postal services in 2024. Authorities encountered more attempts to smuggle narcotics and illegal medications than ever before, including shipments with connections to Thailand.
Statistics reveal that marijuana from the USA and Canada has long been on the list of seized drugs, while Thailand now also plays a notable role in the smuggling operations. Customs seized 35 kilograms of ketamine last year, further highlighting this troubling trend.
Øystein Børmer, the Customs Director, noted creative smugglers use various disguises. For instance, officials discovered marijuana concealed inside teddy bears and narcotic truffles in small packages. One customs officer stated, “After just 30 seconds of inspection, we identified a package containing drugs.”
Norwegian customs recorded very few marijuana shipments until 2019. However, since 2021, authorities have seen the amount of seized marijuana double each year. Customs officials believe that many packages, often from countries where cannabis is legal, such as Thailand, are intended for personal use but contain larger quantities, indicating ties to organized crime.
With cannabis becoming legal in more countries, Børmer cautions individuals about ordering drugs online. He stated, “You never know what you will receive. We advise against it.”
In addition to drugs, customs officials also seized 13 tons of illegally exported fish in 2024, with 3.5 tons intercepted in Troms and Finnmark alone.
Børmer emphasized the growing use of ketamine as an alternative to cocaine. He noted, “High demand in Norway and low penalties make smuggling lucrative.” Although ketamine is not categorized as a narcotic in Norway, smugglers face minimal penalties.
Børmer warned that purchasing drugs online from unauthorized sellers is risky. “You can never be sure of what you get. Our simple advice is to stay away,” he concluded.
Source: NRK
