Customs Chases Smugglers: Thousands of Seizures at Vienna Airport

The Austrian Customs Office looks back on an intensive summer season 2025. Between July and September, large quantities of illegal goods were discovered during inspections – from tobacco and narcotics to cash and protected animal species.

The Eastern office, with a focus on Vienna Airport, was particularly active. In total, the customs office conducted 128 mobile operations in the summer, leading to 372 findings. In air travel, there were 1,349 seizures among 8,352 controlled individuals.

Focus on Tobacco and Narcotics

A particular focus was again on the smuggling of tobacco products. In 460 cases, 391,122 cigarettes, 137 kilograms of hookah tobacco, nine kilograms of rolling tobacco, and over 600 heatable tobacco products were discovered. Additionally, 518 undeclared e-cigarettes and liquids were seized.

In the area of narcotics control, customs officers seized around 118 kilograms of drugs, of which 117.95 kilograms were cannabis alone.

Almost 400,000 Euros in Cash Unreported

During cash controls, 15 seizures totaling 386,966 euros were recorded. Additionally, travelers properly declared a total of 14.58 million euros. These controls serve, among other things, to combat money laundering and tax offenses.

Counterfeit Luxury Goods and Illegal Medications Seized

In the fight against product piracy and undeclared luxury goods, there were 332 seizures of jewelry valued at 1.69 million euros. Additionally, there were 36 cases involving textiles and bags worth 85,000 euros, as well as others with watches and shoes valued at over 107,000 euros. Also, 2.9 kilograms and over 25,000 pieces of medication were seized in ten cases.

Live Animals and Corals Also Discovered

In the area of species protection, 19 seizures were recorded. Among other things, 41 live animals, 51 corals, and 1.85 kilograms of protected materials were seized. Additionally, 18 animals without the required documentation were found in animal products.

Over Four Tons of Animal and Plant Goods Stopped

In the area of animal products, customs seized over 2.2 tons, including 757 kilograms of meat, 827 kilograms of dairy products, and 570 kilograms of honey. In the plant sector, over 2.6 tons were seized in 293 cases. The aim of these measures is to protect the EU from goods that are disease-laden or undeclared.

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