The amount of cocaine seized at the port of Hamburg has tripled in the past five years. While there were 9.5 tonnes of the drug in 2019, the number rose to 33.9 tonnes the year before. And that’s apparently just the tip of the iceberg, as the amount of cocaine that goes undetected is likely to be significantly greater.
“It can be assumed that there will be enormous pressure on the cocaine supply from the South American production and transit countries, which is due to the continued strong growth of the sales market in Europe,” Hamburg said. “As the third largest seaport in Europe, the port of Hamburg is increasingly being targeted by perpetrator groups.”
Fight against drug-related crime
To counter the dangers of internationally organized drug crime at all levels, security authorities and the port industry joined forces last October to form a “Safe Harbor Alliance”. At the same time, police, customs and federal criminal investigations are pursuing a preventive approach in addition to repressive and operational-tactical measures in the EU-funded project “Infiltration of North Sea ports by organized crime structures” (INOK).
Just last week, Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher, Home Affairs Senator Andy Grote (both SPD) and the port industry presented an awareness campaign for port workers, which is intended to illustrate the danger of involvement in criminal activities through recruitment efforts by drug cartels. There is also a portal through which tips can be given anonymously.
Germany relies on cooperation
International cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime must also be strengthened. On Tuesday, at the invitation of German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), the interior ministers of Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands will meet in Hamburg as part of the “Coalition of European countries against serious and organized crime” .
Representatives of the European Union and other international bodies and organizations will also take part in the meeting at the Maritime Museum. According to the German Ministry of the Interior, the fight against drug trafficking and the safety and resilience of the ports must be central.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
