Frankfurt Customs Seizes 15 Tons of Drugs and Collects €8.3 Billion in 2025

The Main Customs Office in Frankfurt released its 2025 annual balance sheet, revealing significant enforcement actions and revenue collection. The office collected over 8.3 billion euros in taxes and duties, primarily driven by import sales tax and aviation tax. In terms of illicit goods, authorities seized nearly 15 tons of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and new psychoactive substances, with an estimated black market value of 190 million euros. This operation led to the arrest of 88 suspected drug mules. Additionally, customs officials confiscated approximately 478,000 counterfeit branded products, mostly originating from China, valued at 194 million euros. Enforcement efforts also targeted illegal wildlife trade, resulting in the seizure of protected plants and animals in 601 cases, including 157 live animals and various ivory products. The office initiated over 14,000 criminal proceedings and 1,600 fine proceedings related to undeclared or falsely declared goods by travelers, such as illegal cigarettes and hookah tobacco. These violations caused an estimated tax loss of 3.2 million euros at Frankfurt Airport alone, highlighting the ongoing challenges in border control and tax compliance.