Massive Drug Bust: 160 Kilograms of Crystal Meth Seized at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt - A significant drug interception occurred at Frankfurt Airport, where customs officials confiscated an unprecedented 160 kilograms of Crystal Meth, marking the largest air freight drug seizure in Germany's history.

On June 19, an unusual shipment arrived at Frankfurt Airport: a machine intended for manufacturing paving stones. This machine was sent from Mexico and was destined for a recipient in the Netherlands. The shipment raised immediate suspicions due to Mexico's notorious reputation as a major drug trafficking hub in Latin America, while the Netherlands has similarly gained a reputation in Europe.

Customs authorities, led by Carina Orth, meticulously examined the cargo during a standard inspection. Their concerns prompted a detailed investigation, during which the airport fire department assisted in accessing the machine using cutting tools. Inside, they discovered a concealed compartment containing the illicit substance, which had been expertly hidden in a metal box embedded within the machinery.

The customs officers carefully extracted the 160 kilograms of Crystal Meth, which possesses a street value of approximately 10 million euros, based on an average price of about 60 euros per gram, as reported in the European Drug Report 2024.

Following the discovery, the customs officials promptly alerted their Dutch counterparts about the findings and the intended recipient's address. This collaboration led to a swift operation on June 25, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, aged 28 and 43, at a residence in Landgraaf, close to the German border. The investigations continued, culminating in the apprehension of two additional suspects, both 31 years old, on the same day along a highway in Boxtel, near Eindhoven.

All four individuals are now being held in pre-trial detention as the investigation unfolds.

Chemically known as Methamphetamine, Crystal Meth was first synthesized in Japan in 1893 and gained prominence in Germany during the 1930s under the name Pervitin. It was widely used during World War II to enhance soldiers' endurance. Today, it is recognized as one of the most addictive illegal substances, often referred to as Crystal Meth, Ice, or Hitler Speed. The drug is known to severely compromise the immune system and is linked to a range of severe psychological issues, including hallucinations, anxiety disorders, and depression. In the United States alone, approximately 30,000 deaths annually are associated with this potent drug.