In addition, an increase of 24 percent was found in narcotics in 2023, said Brunner. Around 217 kilograms of drugs were taken out of circulation. The majority of it was cannabis.
The herb accounted for the largest share at 112 kilograms, followed by around 33 kilograms of psychotropic substances, around 26 kilograms of new psychoactive substances and khat at 28 kilograms. Opiates and cocaine were seized in quantities of 10.6 and 7.10 kilograms, respectively. In front of media representatives, Fetka-Blüthner used, among other things, the example of a courier shipment. In the package from Australia, 3.56 kilograms of ketamine were discovered hidden in toy balls. In the drug sector, the ministry recorded an overall increase of 24 percent.
Image gallery: What customs confiscated in 2023
(Photo: BMF/Customs) Bild 1/80
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In the medication area, 798,858 pieces, 1,908 packages and 234 kilograms (ointments, creams or solutions) of medicines were seized. “The majority of these seized drugs were sexual enhancers, lifestyle preparations, psychotropic drugs and performance-enhancing drugs,” said Fetka-Blüthner.
In the area of tobacco products, 1,429,278 cigarettes, 16,063 cigars and cigarillos and 957 e-cigarettes were confiscated. In addition, 375 kilograms and 13,697 pieces of various other tobacco products were seized.
49 seahorses smuggled
Brunner also highlighted examples from the area of animal apprehensions. In the course of 2023, 227 illegally smuggled animals were seized. The majority were pets such as dogs and cats. In addition, there were seizures in the area of species protection. In this context, a large-scale seizure of 89 reptiles at Vienna Airport – including geckos, snakes and scorpions – was mentioned, as well as insects with an estimated total value of 46,800 euros.
Video: Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) and the head of the Austrian Customs Office, Heike Fetka-Blüthner, take stock:
A further discovery of 49 protected seahorses and the capture of 18 yellow-headed parrots in Lower Austria were also included in the balance sheet. “There is nothing that doesn’t exist,” said Brunner. “Unfortunately, the animals are often in a pitiful condition,” added the board member. Parts of animals such as horns, bones, skins and leather from endangered species, corals and caviar are also confiscated from travel. Further increases were also recorded in the area of product piracy. Overall, taxes increased by seven percent. The number of checks carried out was 310,000.
