Drug alarm on the North Sea: 250 kilos of cocaine discovered on beaches!

Drug alarm on the North Sea: 250 kilos of cocaine discovered on beaches!

The picturesque beaches of the North Sea islands of Sylt, Föhr and Amrum, known for their nature and relaxation, are currently being hit by an alarming wave of drugs. In recent months, several drug discoveries have been recorded on these parts of the coast. Since December 2024 alone, a total of 250 kilograms of cocaine have reached the beaches, while around 150 kilograms have been discovered in several packages in the last three days. The origin of these drug packages remains unclear, further fueling the fears of local residents and holidaymakers. The deficits in the security area are exacerbated by the unconventional transport methods and the unknown background of these finds.

Experts suspect the drugs either came from a failed transfer at sea or were possibly attached by dealers to a boat that was lost at sea. In this worrying situation, the authorities are urgently warning the population about the possible health risks. Even skin contact with packages of cocaine can be dangerous. If anyone encounters packages washed up, they are strongly advised to stay away and inform the police or customs immediately.

Investigations and backgrounds

The Hamburg customs investigation office has started an investigation into the origin of the packages and who may be involved. The beaches affected by this phenomenon are not only tourist destinations, but also areas where many people spend their time on a daily basis. The excited discovery of a walker on Sylt who discovered 25 kilograms of cocaine in January marked a turning point in the reporting of drug discoveries on the North Sea.

The past few years have shown that Europe is increasingly the focus of international cocaine cartels. In 2022, more than 300 tons of cocaine were seized within the European Union - the sixth record year in a row. Germany seized around 43 tonnes of cocaine in 2023, while neighboring countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium struggled with similar amounts, with 59 and 116 tonnes respectively.

Historical drug discoveries

The dimension of the drug problem in the North Sea is not new. In April 2023, drugs washed up in bags on the East Frisian North Sea coast, including a notable case on Borkum, where a vacationer discovered several bags containing around a ton of cocaine. This constant threat is compounded by the fact that major overseas ports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam and Hamburg are considered main smuggling routes to Europe.

The situation is becoming increasingly critical, particularly in view of the frequent interceptions of drug shipments in the tonne range. For example, in September 2023, the customs authorities in Hamburg seized an impressive 2.1 tons of cocaine in a refrigerated container with bananas from South America.

The drug discoveries on the coast of the North Sea, which repeatedly make headlines, are not only a sign of growing crime, but also an appeal to society to take drug trafficking and its dangerous effects seriously. The authorities' educational work will be crucial to protect residents and travelers and raise awareness of the risks.

Further details about the finds are provided Moin.de ready as well ZDF about the investigations and background of drug trafficking in Europe.