Public service Customs checks in Zurich uncover illegal imports

SDA

14.11.2024 - 10:03

During an inspection of parcels from abroad, employees of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) have discovered numerous illegal medicines and other prohibited items.
During an inspection of parcels from abroad, employees of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) have discovered numerous illegal medicines and other prohibited items.
Keystone

During a comprehensive customs inspection in the Zurich area, numerous illegal products were discovered in parcels, including medicines, counterfeit branded goods and weapons.

Numerous illegal products were discovered in parcels during a large-scale customs inspection in the Zurich area. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) reported on Thursday that almost 700 parcels containing prohibited goods were seized.

The checks were carried out at ten different locations in the greater Zurich area. The most common finds were medicines, in particular erectile stimulants, which were contained in the foreign parcels.

In addition to the medicines, numerous counterfeit brands were also discovered. These counterfeit products were also frequently found in the parcels.

Weapons were the third largest group of seized goods. Kubotan, a Japanese baton, imitation weapons and knives were found particularly frequently. In some cases, pistols were even discovered in the parcels.

Extensive checks in the Zurich area

The customs controls in the Zurich area show the challenges associated with illegal online shopping. The goods seized illustrate the range of illegal imports that enter Switzerland via online trade. The authorities emphasize the need for such controls to prevent the import of prohibited products and ensure security.

SDA