EU to crack down on drugs smuggled via postal and parcel services

Drug traffickers have developed new methods to smuggle drugs into the EU. And sales are increasingly taking place online.

This is stated by the European Commission in a new action plan against drug smuggling.

Therefore, the EU has to step up its efforts. So says the EU Commissioner responsible for security and democracy Henna Virkkunen in connection with the presentation of the action plan.

– We have to step up our efforts. Young people in particular are vulnerable, and criminals are increasingly operating globally and online, says Henna Virkkunen.

The new action plan is to supplement the EU’s drug strategy.

This is done with 19 concrete proposals.

Among them is increased focus on stopping fast smuggling boats as well as the sale of drugs on the internet.

Here, according to the action plan, Europol must help EU countries detect and analyze new movements in the drug markets.

At the same time, customs authorities in the EU countries must work more closely together, says EU Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic.

– As drug traffickers develop their tactics, we are ready to tackle new challenges with tightened controls for customs authorities and other competent authorities, says Maros Sefcovic.

According to the European Commission, there is an increase in the use of postal and parcel services to send drugs in Europe.

The action plan also focuses on preventing crime and reducing drug-related violence.

Here there is particular focus on combating online recruitment of young people into drug crime.

Among the proposals is an EU platform that connects experts across Europe to combat online recruitment.

This is to help increase security in the EU countries, says EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner.

– The EU will not tolerate criminal networks flooding our streets with cheap drugs.

– It promotes violent crime and undermines health and safety in Europe, says Magnus Brunner.