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In late April, Swedish customs made a significant seizure of 460 kilograms of cocaine at the port of Helsingborg, near Denmark. The drugs were discovered hidden in secret compartments in two containers that had arrived from Ecuador. These compartments were cleverly designed to allow traffickers to access the cocaine without unloading the legitimate cargo. Authorities also found tools such as blowtorches and bolt cutters that were likely left by suspected traffickers at the port.
The seizure in Helsingborg is part of a disturbing trend. Since January, Swedish authorities have already seized nearly 870 kilograms of cocaine, surpassing last year’s total of 822 kilograms. This surge in drug seizures highlights Sweden’s emerging role as a transit country for drug smuggling. Erik Friberg, the head of the customs service’s criminal division, expressed concern over the large quantities of narcotics being shipped to Sweden for further distribution throughout Europe.
Drug traffickers are increasingly seeking out lesser-known ports with weaker security measures as scrutiny intensifies at major European ports. Helsingborg, with its inadequate security infrastructure, has become an attractive entry point for Latin American drug traffickers. The port’s weak perimeter, fencing, poor lighting, and lack of surveillance cameras make it vulnerable to drug smuggling operations.
Shifting Drug Routes: Albanian Groups Exploit New Pathways
This shift in drug trafficking routes is evident in the growing presence of Albanian criminal groups using Ecuador as a departure point to move cocaine to Europe. Recent arrests in Helsingborg involved Albanian citizens attempting to retrieve cocaine, indicating a potential shift in trafficking routes through Sweden. With crackdowns on well-known cocaine trafficking hotspots like Antwerp and Rotterdam, traffickers are exploring alternative routes that offer lower risks and less law enforcement pressure.
The Nordic Sea region, including countries like Russia, Norway, and Sweden, has witnessed an increase in cocaine seizures, suggesting the growing popularity of these areas as entry points for Latin American-produced cocaine. Other secondary ports, such as those along the southern coast of the United Kingdom and France’s Le Havre, have also seen rising cocaine seizures in recent years.
The evolving tactics of drug traffickers highlight the need for enhanced security measures and international cooperation to combat the transnational drug trade. Authorities must remain vigilant and adapt their strategies to effectively address the changing dynamics of drug smuggling routes.