Mystery of drug-laden packages in Heiligenhafen prompts global probe
Quite recently, a sensation was sparked by a package containing drugs found on the beach in Heiligenhafen, Germany. A week later, another suspicious package was discovered at the exact location. What was inside this time?
11 July 2024 12:16
A passerby reported the package found on the beach in Heiligenhafen to the police. Andreas Thaysen, spokesperson for the Customs Office in Hamburg, suggests that both discoveries may be linked and contain drugs.
Such situations occur, but the fact that they are happening in the Baltic Sea area is surprising, says Thaysen.
It is estimated that one kilogram of cocaine may be worth around £28,500, making these packages a precious haul.
International investigation
An international investigation is underway to determine if similar incidents have occurred in other countries, such as Sweden, Denmark, or Poland. It remains unknown who the intended recipients of these packages were or whether the failed drug handover attempt was a result of the so-called "drop-off" method. This method involves dropping drugs from moving ships, which are then meant to be picked up by smaller vessels.
Thaysen does not rule out the fact that the perpetrators may be from the Schleswig-Holstein region. This could indicate the existence of local criminal structures that were to be supplied with cocaine. As part of the investigation, authorities are also examining from which ship these drugs might have originated.
Warning to the public
The police are again urging the public to be cautious. Such finds can pose a serious health hazard, and their appropriation can lead to severe legal consequences. Therefore, if suspicious packages are encountered, the appropriate authorities should be notified immediately, and the packages should be left intact.
The latest discoveries in Heiligenhafen certainly raise concern and require close international cooperation to prevent similar events. The investigation continues, and new information could bring investigators closer to solving this mystery.