Cocaine seizures more than double to 212 kilos

Customs officers have seized 212 kilograms of cocaine, more than twice the previous year’s amount, mbl.is reports. Iceland is nearing a third consecutive record year for drug seizures, according to Ingvi Steinn Jóhannsson, chief inspector of customs at Keflavík Airport and chair of the Icelandic Customs Officers’ Association.

Jóhannsson welcomed a new law enforcement plan that calls for closer cooperation between police and customs. But he warned that the number of customs officers has fallen from 124 to 93 since 2018, a reduction he said was dangerous given their role in border security and the rise in attempted drug smuggling.

Customs can stop illegal goods before they enter society, Jóhannsson said, arguing that this is more effective than dealing with the consequences later. He said the service needs sufficient resources to carry out its role and take part in the cooperation outlined in the plan.

Two major drug cases were discovered aboard the Norræna ferry in spring and summer, he said. He also pointed to recent results at Keflavík Airport, including Operation Matrix, which was highlighted at the law enforcement plan’s presentation as an outcome of strong customs checks.

Jóhannsson cited the Straumsvík case, described as Iceland’s largest drug case to date: 106 kilograms of cocaine were found in a sea chest on the alumina carrier Koznitza, which arrived from Brazil in June. He said the case showed the value of strong inspections and cooperation between Icelandic and foreign customs authorities, as well as between customs and police.