Customs Potsdam cracks records: over 500 kg drugs secured!

Customs Potsdam cracks records: over 500 kg drugs secured!

The customs in the main customs office in Potsdam impressively achieved results in the field of drug fighting and combating undeclared work. The authority was able to ensure over 500 kg marijuana and more than 640 kg of cath, which corresponds to a remarkable increase compared to the previous year - in 2023 there were only 17 kg marijuana and 211 kg of cath. 2,000 g fell into the hands of the customs officials when securing hashish. In the meantime, a decline in the consolidations of cocaine and amphetamine was recorded, with only 122 g cocaine and almost 500 g amphetamine in 2024. In the previous year, these numbers were even higher: over 1,000 g cocaine and more than 6,500 g amphetamine.

The shift in the black market for tobacco products to electronic products is particularly striking. In 2024, a total of 8,400 kg of hookah tobacco, 438,000 pieces of cigarettes, cigarillos and cigars as well as impressive 543,000 electronic products were ensured. This is accompanied by the fact that financial control (FKS) has initiated 1,587 criminal proceedings and 761 fine procedures. All of the damage caused by undeclared work amounts to almost 18.5 million euros, and the courts imposed in the amount of 438,750 euros and imprisonment of 438 months.

The numbers in detail

The main customs office in Potsdam also has financial successes. Over 100.2 million euros in open claims could be collected, which means an increase compared to the 77.7 million euros in the previous year. The income from taxes and tariffs amounted to a total of almost 488 million euros, with import sales tax issued the largest share with around 389 million euros. 526,997 imports and over 2.1 million export shipments were handled in cross-border goods traffic.

• 500 kg marijuana in 2024 (2023: 17 kg)
• 640 kg Kath (2023: 211 kg)
• 2,000 g hashish
• 8,400 kg of hookah tobacco
• 438,000 pieces of cigarettes
• 543,000 electronic products
• 1,587 criminal proceedings
• 761 fine procedure
• Damage through undeclared work: 18.5 million euros
• Theoretical income: 488 million euros

Another remarkable point is the work of financial control undeclared work that tests carried out on the basis of the Black Working Act. These exams are designed to ensure the proper registration of social security employees 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 should ensure a fair way of working. The majority of these measures start with targeted controls to prevent illegal social benefits.

outlook for the future

The main customs office Potsdam is actively looking for young people for training or studying in medium and upscale service. Interested parties can apply until October 15, 2025 to take the first step into a promising career in customs administration on September 1, 2026.

In summary, it can be said that customs in Potsdam in 2024 is strong in the fight against drugs and undeclared work. With impressive figures and a clear strategy, the authority resolves against illegal activities. It remains to be seen how these trends will develop in the coming year.