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!

Sylt, Deutschland - The picturesque beaches of the North Sea islands Sylt, Föhr and Amrum, known for their nature and relaxation, are currently being hit by an alarming drug wave. In the past few months, several drug finds have been registered on these coastal sections. Since December 2024 alone, a total of 250 kilograms of cocaine has 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 what the fears of the residents and vacationers continue to stoke. The deficits in the security area are reinforced by the unconventional transport methods and the unknown background of this finds.

Experts suspect that the drugs either came from a failed handover at the sea or possibly attached by dealers to a boat that was lost by Seegang. In this worrying situation, the authorities urgently warn the population of the possible health risks. The skin contact with cocaine packages can be dangerous. If someone encounters rinsed packages, it is urgently advised to keep away and immediately inform the police or customs.

Investigations and backgrounds

The Hamburg Customs Fine Office has started investigations into the origin of the packages and the possible participants. The beaches affected by this phenomenon are not only tourist destinations, but also areas in which many people stay every day. The excited find of a walker on Sylt, who discovered 25 kilograms of cocaine in January, was a turning point, in the message of drug finds on the North Sea.

The past few years have shown that Europe is increasingly in the focus of international cocaine cartels. In 2022, more than 300 tons of cocaine were confiscated within the European Union - the sixth record year in a row. Germany ensured about 43 tons of cocaine in 2023, while neighboring countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium had to deal with 59 and 116 tons in similar magnitude.

historical drug finds

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

The situation becomes increasingly critical, especially with regard to the frequent drains of drug deliveries in the ton range. For example, in September 2023, the customs authority secured impressive 2.1 tons of cocaine in a cooling container with bananas from South America.

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

More details on the finds provides Moin.de ready as well as ZDF On the investigation and background of drug trade in Europe.