Customs seized 135 000 units of narcotic medicines – record-high seizure quantities in early 2025
In June 2025, Customs seized about 135 000 units of various narcotic medicines concealed in the structures of a passenger car that arrived in Finland. The street market value of the narcotic medicines would have been about 300 000 euros. Customs has seized a considerably higher quantity of narcotic medicines between January and June 2025 than during the same period last year.
Customs officers uncovered the attempted import of narcotic medicines in June 2025 as they were inspecting a passenger car. Customs officers found several caches in the vehicle structures that contained medicinal substances classified as narcotics, and seized almost 135 000 units of narcotic medicines.
– This seizure quantity alone is considerable, and the size of the seized consignment of narcotics is an indication of the volume of the illegal narcotics market currently operating in Finland. The criminal suspicion concerns the import of a consignment of narcotics with a trade value of almost 300 000 euros, says Director of Enforcement Hannu Sinkkonen.
– The most significant import locations for narcotics are the major ports in southern Finland, and Helsinki Airport, Sinkkonen adds.
During the first half of 2025, Customs has seized more than 520 000 units of narcotic medicines. Last year, Customs seized almost 650 000 units of narcotic medicines, and more than 430 000 units in 2023.
Increasing use of narcotic medicines for intoxication
It is also possible for narcotic substances to enter Finland if they are not classified as narcotics, as psychoactive substances or as medicines prohibited from the consumer market. Customs is responsible for preventing the entry of narcotics and other dangerous substances to Finland.
– There has been an increase in the use of narcotic medicines not classified as narcotics for intoxication, as their use results in considerably lower penalties than the use of medicines classified as narcotics. The use of narcotics and substances that have a narcotic effect has increased in Finland, and the impact resonates in society. I am very worried about the increase in the use of narcotic medicinal substances, Sinkkonen says.
Customs has detained the driver of the vehicle on suspicion of an aggravated narcotics offence. The preliminary investigation is still ongoing. Charges in the case will be weighed in the Southern Finland Prosecution District.