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Customs Potsdam breaks records: Over 500 kg of drugs seized!
The Potsdam Main Customs Office will achieve record results in the fight against drugs and undeclared work in 2024. Current statistics and achievements.
Customs Potsdam breaks records: Over 500 kg of drugs seized!
In 2024, customs at the Potsdam Main Customs Office achieved impressive results in the area of drug control and the fight against undeclared work. The authority was able to seize over 500 kg of marijuana and more than 640 kg of Kath, which corresponds to a considerable increase compared to the previous year - in 2023 there were only 17 kg of marijuana and 211 kg of Kath. When seizing hashish, 2,000 g also fell into the hands of customs officials. Meanwhile, there has been a decline in cocaine and amphetamine seizures, with just 122g of cocaine and just under 500g of amphetamine in 2024. Last year these numbers were significantly higher: over 1,000g of cocaine and more than 6,500g of amphetamine.
What is particularly noticeable is the shift in the black market for tobacco products to electronic products. In 2024, a total of 8,400 kg of water pipe tobacco, 438,000 cigarettes, cigarillos and cigars as well as an impressive 543,000 electronic products were seized. This means that the Financial Control for Undeclared Work (FKS) has initiated 1,587 criminal proceedings and 761 fine proceedings. The total damage caused by undeclared work amounts to almost 18.5 million euros, and the courts imposed fines totaling 438,750 euros and prison sentences totaling 438 months.
The numbers in detail
The Potsdam Main Customs Office also has financial success. Over 100.2 million euros in outstanding claims were collected, which represents an increase compared to 77.7 million euros in the previous year. Revenue from taxes and customs duties totaled almost 488 million euros, with import sales tax making up the largest share at around 389 million euros. 526,997 import and over 2.1 million export shipments were processed across borders.
- 500 kg Marihuana in 2024 (2023: 17 kg)
- 640 kg Kath (2023: 211 kg)
- 2.000 g Haschisch
- 8.400 kg Wasserpfeifentabak
- 438.000 Stück Zigaretten
- 543.000 elektronische Produkte
- 1.587 Strafverfahren
- 761 Bußgeldverfahren
- Schaden durch Schwarzarbeit: 18,5 Millionen Euro
- Theoretische Einnahmen: 488 Millionen Euro
Another notable point is the work of the Financial Control Office for Undeclared Work, which carries out audits on the basis of the Anti-Undeclared Work Act. These audits are designed to ensure proper registration of employees for social security and compliance with the minimum wage, and they help to counteract exploitative working conditions. In 2024, the FKS initiated various administrative offenses and criminal proceedings in order to strengthen the legal framework that is intended to ensure fair working practices. The majority of these measures start with targeted controls to prevent unlawful social benefits.
Outlook for the future
The Potsdam Main Customs Office is actively looking for young talent for training or studies in middle and senior service. Interested parties can apply by October 15, 2025 in order to take the first step into a promising career in customs administration on September 1, 2026.
In summary, customs in Potsdam in 2024 are strong in the fight against drugs and undeclared work. With impressive figures and a clear strategy, the authority is taking decisive action against illegal activities. It remains to be seen how these trends will develop in the coming year.