Ystads Hamn Sees Nearly 40% of Sweden's Amphetamine Seizures Amid Staffing Shortages

In the first half of 2026, Ystads hamn accounted for a significant 39.3% of Sweden's amphetamine seizures, with nearly 68.6 kg seized at the port out of a total of approximately 175 kg countrywide. Despite this high level of drug interdiction, staffing challenges at the port are hampering full surveillance efforts. The Swedish Customs Agency (Tullverket) is present at Ystads hamn during only about one-third of the traffic flow, as the agency allocates more personnel to other busy ports such as Helsingborg and Trelleborg, which are considered higher risk. Niklas Delin, a group leader at Tullverket, highlighted that the insufficient customs staff means some lanes must remain unmonitored, complicating efforts to intercept smuggling. Although drug seizures overall have decreased compared to previous periods, a single major seizure could quickly affect statistics. To address these ongoing challenges, the Swedish government has provided an additional 100 million SEK to Tullverket, enabling the recruitment and training of 24 new customs officers in the southern region. However, officials like Stefan Granath stress that long-term growth in personnel is needed to effectively combat drug smuggling at Ystads hamn and beyond.