Overview

• Customs authorities seized nearly 600 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a South American fruit container at Hamburg port, with street value estimated at €24 million.
• The operation was triggered by an intelligence alert from the Dominican Republic, highlighting the impact of international cooperation.
• Officials are probing a potential connection to a November 2024 Saxony haul of 590 kilograms discovered in banana crates.
• Mayor Peter Tschentscher warns that Hamburg’s status as Germany’s largest seaport makes it an attractive target for drug cartels and a risk to internal security.
• Hamburg has deepened collaboration with Rotterdam and Antwerp to share intelligence and coordinate joint inspections against cocaine smuggling.