Denmark reports increase in illegal weapon seizures as customs tackle smuggling challenges

Last year, customs authorities discovered thousands of illegal weapons concealed in letters and packages. The challenge lies in the creative methods individuals employ to hide these items, but thanks to experienced inspectors, specially trained dogs, and scanners, a significant number are found. In total, authorities reported seizing 3,215 weapons, mainly ordered by private individuals from foreign websites. The items primarily included throwing stars, knuckle dusters, pepper spray, and stabbing weapons, with a smaller quantity being firearms.

This marks the first increase in confiscated weapons since 2020. Customs Minister Rasmus Stoklund expressed concern over the statistics, stating that they reflect ongoing attempts to smuggle weapons into Denmark, emphasizing the need for robust customs controls for public safety.

The trend appears to be continuing, with more than 500 stabbing weapons already detected in the first half of 2024, described as “relatively high” compared to approximately 800 found throughout 2023.

Stoklund remains open to adopting new technologies and tools to assist customs in their operations. As part of a new initiative addressing opioid issues, investments in a new scanner and additional inspectors will likely enhance efforts in this area.

Despite last year’s increase, the overall number of confiscated weapons has dropped significantly since 2020, when 13,712 illegal items were seized. Stoklund noted that it is challenging to determine the exact factors influencing this decline. However, he highlighted awareness campaigns by police and customs regarding weapon importation and new regulations on customs and VAT for packages, which may have had an impact.

Customs authorities conduct checks to find weapons in packages using sampling and risk assessments, and when illegal items are discovered, the cases are handed over to the police. In 2023, there were 2,066 cases related to weapons, with multiple weapons potentially involved in a single case.