Drug dealer in Wangen sentenced: two years in prison for dangerous business!

Drug dealer in Wangen sentenced: two years in prison for dangerous business!

At the Wangen district court, a 42-year-old Pole was convicted of “armed, illicit trafficking in narcotics in large quantities”. The trial took place under strict security measures, the defendant appeared in handcuffs and ankle cuffs and was supported by an interpreter. The man was arrested shortly before Christmas 2024 during a “suspicion-independent” customs check at the Winterberg rest area on the A96. During a search of his vehicle, customs officers discovered cocaine, crystal meth, a loaded gas pistol and a combat knife, which led to an extensive court case.

During the trial, the court refused to accept the defendant's explanation that he had unintentionally carried the weapon. Judge Klaus Ferstl made it clear that it was unrealistic to transport large quantities of drugs over 1,000 kilometers in order to sell them at a higher price in Switzerland. In fact, for example, 100 grams of drug costs around 500 francs in Poland, while the price in Switzerland is around 2,000 francs.

Background and judgment

The defendant admitted during the trial that he had occasionally dealt drugs and, after five months in custody, realized he was on the wrong path. His motivation for drug trafficking stemmed from personal problems, including his wife's cheating and the resulting alienation from his children, which caused emotional distress. The court imposed a sentence of two years and six months in prison, with no possibility of parole if the prison sentence exceeds two years. After the defendant accepted the verdict, the previously existing restrictions on detention were lifted. He can now receive visitors again and his letters are no longer checked, which gives him some freedom during his time in prison.

This conviction comes against the backdrop of an alarming increase in organized drug crime in Germany and Europe. According to reports from daily news The federal government warns of a growing threat to customs officials from international drug gangs. A confidential communication describes an “aggravated threat situation” that is also linked to explosive attacks in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Dangers and measures taken

Customs officers are facing increasing dangers as gangs attempt to smuggle large quantities of cocaine into German ports. There have been no seized shipments of cocaine in Baltic Sea ports so far in 2024, despite growing concerns from the Customs Criminal Investigation Office about the tactics of drug traffickers. These often involve the use of GPS trackers to track their deliveries and being accompanied by violent individuals.

The federal government is planning to better equip customs staff. The Federal Minister of Finance has announced that an additional 250 million euros will be made available next year to improve the equipment. While some customs officers are calling for more weapons, including submachine guns, the Federal Ministry of Finance is refraining from doing so for the time being. Nevertheless, there is great frustration among customs officers over inadequate protective measures and equipment, which makes the fight against organized crime even more difficult.

The combination of a frightening increase in drug-related crimes and increasing security risks makes it clear that both the judiciary and customs authorities face enormous challenges in ensuring public safety and effectively combating drug-related crime.