Piles of seized drugs lie on a table in the customs control hall at the Öresund Bridge, where the smuggling figures are presented.
This is a new plateau, a plateau that no one thought was possible ten years ago, says Director General of Customs Johan Norrman.
The amount of heroin seized has increased from 3 kilos in 2024 to 134 kilos in 2025, while cocaine has decreased slightly, from 1,584 kilos to 1,493 kilos. But then it is also relevant that 2026 has begun with a record seizure of more than three tons of cocaine in Helsingborg.
"I want to state that Sweden is under extreme smuggling pressure," says Johan Norrman.
700 kilos more
In total, the authority has seized 700 kilograms more drugs in 2025 than in 2024, and it is primarily seizures of hard drugs that are increasing. But it also concerns, for example, dried khat, ketamine, MDMA and benzodiazepines.
A nauseating stench spreads from the seized narcotics in the customs control hall. The Swedish Customs describes how "a wave of cocaine is pouring towards Europe".
"Production in Latin America is enormous. In recent years, production capacity has increased fivefold," says Jennie von Alten, head of the control department.
Smuggled on fruit boats
Much of the cocaine goes to Europe on transport ships carrying fruit and vegetables, and seizures are also increasing in other European countries.
The reason, the Director General of Customs says, is demand. His message to Swedes is simple: Stop doing drugs.
"It contributes to organized crime and the criminal economy. It contributes to an insecure society and the extreme development of violence we have seen in Sweden in recent years," says Johan Norrman.
Record seizure of heroin
Last year's heroin seizures were the highest ever.
"The sharp increase is related to large seizures in heavy traffic and passenger train traffic, where enhanced intelligence cooperation with international partners has been of great importance," says Jennie von Alten.
In contrast to the high level of drug seizures, Customs has seized significantly fewer other illegal goods. No hand grenades were stopped last year and only 20 live firearms.
"We are not satisfied with this," says Johan Norrman.
The authority is emphasizing that even more resources are needed for the Swedish Customs Administration to stop drugs and other illegal goods that cross Sweden's borders annually.
In total, Swedish Customs seized 10.5 tons of drugs last year, which is an increase from the 9.8 tons seized in 2024.
This is what the levels looked like for the most common preparations between 2024–2025:
Heroin increased from 3 kilograms to 134 kilograms.
Amphetamine increased from 768 kilograms to 1,110 kilograms.
Cocaine decreased from 1,584 kilograms to 1,493 kilograms.
Cannabis decreased from 5,737 kilograms to 5,032 kilograms.
