Customs in Cologne: cocaine instead of coffee from Colombia

The customs authorities successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle nearly 130 kg of cocaine disguised as coffee at Cologne/Bonn Airport. The drugs were hidden in over 250 coffee packages and were intended to be transported from Colombia to Germany.

Hidden Cocaine in Coffee Packages

According to a statement from the Cologne Customs Office, the smuggling was uncovered a few weeks ago. Jens Ahland, spokesperson for the Cologne Customs Office, stated that the seizure is an example of the daily challenges faced by customs officers. “This extraordinary seizure is the best example of the daily challenge of not being deceived by the appearance or packaging of the parcels or their supposed contents,” said Ahland. A portable substance analysis device confirmed the suspicion that the black-colored cocaine was disguised as ground coffee.

The investigation into this case is being continued by the Customs Investigation Bureau in Essen. For tactical reasons, no further information can currently be released. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of customs authorities to detect and prevent illegal drug imports.

www.zoll.de