Former Swedish MP Katja Nyberg denies drug charges after arrest for suspicious behaviour

Swedish public broadcaster SVT reports that former Sweden Democrats MP Katja Nyberg has denied drug-related charges after police observed her allegedly inhaling a substance in custody following a traffic incident.

Nyberg, who left the party in March, faces prosecution for drunk driving, multiple drug offences, and aggravated unauthorised driving. Police grew suspicious after witnessing her “insert her hand into her bag, rummage around, and bring her fingers to her nose” while detained, according to investigative documents released Tuesday.

A subsequent search uncovered a small bag containing a white powder—later confirmed as cocaine—and a cut straw, described by prosecutor Anders Jakobsson as a “snorting tube.” Nyberg claimed she had attended a “lively party” where she lost track of her handbag.

“I am shocked by this and deny all charges,” she stated in her police interview. “I have never knowingly been in contact with any narcotics. This is the first time I’ve seen this.” She acknowledged noticing suspicious behaviour at the event, including two men entering a bathroom together, but denied personal drug use.

When questioned about her past role in a 1990s police “rave commission” targeting party drug users, Nyberg declined to comment on how her alleged offences squared with her law enforcement background. “You’re a police officer at heart and an MP—you should know drug use and impaired driving are illegal. How did you rationalise getting behind the wheel?” an investigator asked. Nyberg replied, “I have no comment.”

Hair follicle tests later detected cocaine, amphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) in her system. While denying most charges, she admitted to one count of aggravated unauthorised driving.

Nyberg resigned from the Sweden Democrats in March amid the investigation. Her trial date has not yet been set.