The police continued monitoring of illegal trafficking on information networks until the end of 2024 and seized narcotics, firearms and cash.
In May 2024, the police reported that for the first part of the year they had been monitoring illegal trafficking on information networks. At that time, it was stated that the police are where people are. Consequently monitoring was continued for the rest of the year. Monitoring during the spring, resulted in seizures that included more than 7 kg of amphetamines, more than 5 kg of marijuana and various weapons. More than €40,000 in cash was also seized. The operation just completed has yielded similar results.
Results of monitoring
During the monitoring operation for the rest of the year, just under 100 police reports were filed, most of which concerned narcotics offences. Even though only four police reports of firearms offences were filed, the results were excellent.
During the monitoring operation, the police again seized various narcotics as well as medicines classified as narcotics, with just over 3.5 kg of amphetamines, just under 2.5 kg of marijuana, more than 4,000 ecstasy tablets, more than 2 500 Subutex tablets and just under 14,500 Ksalol tablets accounting for the most significant total quantities seized. Firearms were a particular success, with the seizure of almost 70 weapons and more than a thousand cartridges. Cash seizures were higher than in the spring operation, with a final total approaching €66,000.
“Individual seizures can in some cases lead to the detection of a much larger drug trafficking operation, and in such cases criminal proceeds can typically amount to more than €100 000,” sums up Chief Superintendent Toni Sjöblom at the National Police Board.
The police again also made extensive use of coercive measures to solve crimes. During the monitoring period, 70 persons were apprehended, of whom almost 40 were arrested and 20 remanded in custody. A total of well over 200 searches of homes and devices were carried out. The police caught 16 suspected minors and 10 first-time offenders. In 13 cases, the police provided treatment advice to narcotics users.
Information network risks
According to Chief Superintendent Sjöblom, cyber policing is starting to become part of basic policing nationwide, which has of course been the aim.
“Ideally, we should be able to relate to information networks in the same way as we do to the real world around us and not see it as something separate. After all, information networks are part of our everyday life.”
In the same context, Sjöblom warns people about various scams that constantly appear online and n which many people have lost amounts of up to tens of thousands of euros and, in the worst case scenario, all their savings, together with any credit taken out by the scammers.
