The Federal Customs and Border Security Office (FOCB) announced on Wednesday a notable increase in the seizure of illicit substances and cigarettes within Switzerland during 2025. The total revenue generated from these confiscations amounted to 23.4 billion Swiss francs. Specifically, the Office of Federal Drug Oversight (OFDF) identified 1.6 million contraband cigarettes, a substantial surge compared to the 950,000 cigarettes seized in 2024.
This represents a doubling of the amount compared to the previous year’s figures, according to federal reports. Approximately 1.3 million of these cigarettes were transported via air routes. The majority of the seizures, roughly two-thirds, took place at Geneva Airport, while a smaller proportion occurred at Zurich Airport and a negligible amount at Basel Airport.
This distribution pattern is largely attributed to the volume of air cargo passing through these key Swiss transportation hubs. The rise in confiscated narcotics alongside the increased number of cigarettes highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal trade within the country. Authorities continue to monitor and disrupt the movement of contraband.
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