Luxembourg remains a link in international drug trafficking, despite a decrease in the quantities seized in 2024. This is according to the joint response of home affairs minister (CSV) and finance minister (CSV) to a parliamentary question submitted by MP (Piraten).
In total, 71.7 kg of drugs were intercepted in the country in 2024, a volume that is significantly lower than in previous years and the lowest recorded in five years. This year 2024 appears to be an exception, as this figure has already been largely exceeded in 2025 with the and the . This total is 18 times higher than last year’s figure.
These figures, the ministers point out, reflect only part of the reality: they take into account only the four most frequently intercepted substances. No precise estimate of the value of seizures is possible, as prices vary widely depending on quality and resale conditions.
Different channels
The majority of seizures made by the police come from road traffic, particularly at border crossings. Conversely, the customs administration intercepts more drugs in air freight, particularly via postal parcels. “This difference is linked to the specific missions of each administration,” the ministers state.
As for the geographical origin of the drugs, the police note that most of the products seized on the street come from the Netherlands and Belgium. On the customs side, shipments detected by air often come from third countries.
Strengthened cooperation
“Luxembourg remains a transit country,” said the two ministers. “The drugs intercepted are generally not destined for the local market, but merely transit through the country.” To counter this situation, international cooperation remains a strategic priority for the government. Luxembourg plans to update its bilateral agreements with France and Germany to better respond to the new challenges posed by drug trafficking. On the ground, joint operations are already being carried out with Belgium, the Netherlands and France, notably as part of the Hazeldonk programme, which coordinates cross-border controls.
Luxembourg customs have also been participating since 2024 in the EU Customs Alliance for Borders Expert Team, a European initiative aimed at strengthening detection capabilities at the EU’s external borders--airports, ports, or land borders. Regular exchanges also take place with Europol and the investigation services of neighbouring countries
Finally, Luxembourg participates in the work of the Council of the European Union via the Law Enforcement Working Party (LEWP), and in the “drug trafficking” priority of the Empact platform, which federates efforts to combat organised crime in Europe.
This article was originally published in French.