Record quantity of narcotics and narcotic medicines seized in 2025
The number of narcotics offences that Customs registered dropped in 2025, but the seized quantities of narcotics and narcotic medicines were considerably higher than in previous years. Customs also seized a considerable quantity of weapons and cigarettes.
In 2025, the societal impact of customs crime prevention amounted to 82 million euros. Most of the amount, 54 million euros, consisted of recovered proceeds of crime.
– We have managed to allocate our activities correctly, and as a result the impact of crime prevention by Customs is at a significant level, says Hannu Sinkkonen, Head of Criminal Investigation.
Customs seized 500 kg more narcotics than in 2024
In 2025, Customs seized a total of 2 574 kilograms of narcotics, which is over 500 kilograms more than in 2024. Customs seized a record quantity of cocaine, totalling at more than 87 kilos. The quantity exceeds the 2024 amount by 30 kilos. The seized cocaine was also very pure, of 80 to 90 % content, which means that if it had been diluted for drug trade it would have produced a considerable quantity of doses. Customs also seized a significant quantity of ecstasy and marijuana, same as in 2024. Customs seized almost 800 kilos more of khat than in 2024, totalling at 1 140 kilos.
New designer drugs are developed continuously
New synthetic designer drugs are developed and produced continuously, and the most significant designer drug in Finland has been alpha-PVP. In recent years, the seized quantities of designer drugs and narcotic medicines not classified as narcotics have been high. Last year, Customs identified 147 various narcotic substances, 13 of which were completely new designer drugs. Customs examined more than 5 000 samples relating to customs offences. 48 of the samples contained unclassified narcotic substances.
– Previously we seized less than half a kilogram of alpha-PVP per year, but last year the seized quantity reached 10.6 kilos. The quantity is considerably large, as doses of synthetic cathinones are measured in milligrams, Sinkkonen says.
In Helsinki in October 2025, Customs seized tablets that contained protodesnitazene, a previously unclassified substance. This new synthetic cannabinoid is a nitazene, a category of substances with considerably more forceful effects than for example heroin.
In 2025, Customs seized a clearly higher quantity of narcotic medicines than in previous years, amounting to more than 934 500 items. Most of the seized narcotic medicines contained alprazolam and clonazepam.
More doping offences than in 2024
In 2020, Finnish Customs uncovered 509 doping offences, more than in previous years. Of these offences, 20 were of the aggravated type. Customs seized a total of 26 600 items of doping substances. The most common seized substances were anabolic steroids and injectable testosterone.
Customs registered 701 medicine offences and violations, corresponding to the 2024 level. Medicines were seized in a quantity slightly higher than in 2024, totalling at 80 300 items. In 2025, the most common medicines that Customs seized were antibiotics and erectile dysfunction medicines. Customs seized 7.7 kilos of ketamine, a substance used almost exclusively as a narcotic.
Gas-operated weapons a key factor in seized quantities
Customs registered 207 firearms offences in 2025, considerably more than in previous years. Customs seized 689 weapons, over 300 more than in 2024. Of these, 11 were firearms and 678 were gas-operated guns.
Highest quantity of seized cigarettes in ten years
Customs registered a total of 141 tax frauds, a number clearly lower than in previous years. There were 67 aggravated cases. The closure of the eastern border has brought down the number of tax frauds.
A significant share of tax frauds that Customs investigated involved the smuggling of tobacco products. A total of 16.5 million cigarettes were seized and detained in conjunction with criminal cases last year, this being overwhelmingly the largest number in ten years. The tax interest is often significant in cases of smuggling involving illicitly manufactured cigarettes.
Customs has also investigated considerable tax frauds involving value added tax and car tax.
In 2025, Customs seized 1 950 kilograms of snus, a quantity clearly smaller than in the previous year.
Several regulation offences still under investigation
In 2025, Customs registered 43 regulation offences, 17 of which were aggravated. Customs registered three sanctions offences in 2025. Four new types of sanctions offences were added to the Criminal Code of Finland last year, namely those of a sanctions offence, an aggravated sanctions offence, a negligent sanctions offence and a sanctions violation. The amendment concerns breaches of EU or UN sanctions, such as neglecting the obligation to freeze assets or trading with prohibited parties. The Criminal Code now imposes considerably stricter penalties for breaches of sanctions.
Customs continues to investigate several regulations offences that were uncovered in previous years. Investigations into the cases take a long time, as they are often challenging and typically require international cooperation between authorities of various countries.