Smuggling at the borders: Illicit goods and cigarettes on the rise

Context

TL;DR

• Smuggling of cigarettes and drugs is rising at Swiss-Italian borders.
• 1.6 million illicit cigarettes seized in 2025, up from 950,000 in 2024.
• 4,235 kg of marijuana and 2,415 kg of synthetic drugs seized in 2025.
• Bellinzona and Lugano are hotspots for smuggling activities.

Key facts

• Cigarettes seized: 1.6 million in 2025, up from 950,000 in 2024.
• Marijuana seized: 4,235 kg in 2025, almost quadrupled from 2024.
• Synthetic drugs: 2,415 kg in 2025, up from 175 kg in 2024.
• THC-edibles seizure: Over 2,000 kg in a single seizure in 2025.
• Cigarettes in Bellinzona: 250,000 seized in 2025.
• Cigarettes in Lugano: 150,000 seized in 2025.
• Young Ticinese: 75% have consumed cigarettes or tobacco products at least once.
• Illegally imported medicines: 6,647 shipments seized in 2025, up from 5,668 in 2024.

Smuggling at the borders: Illicit goods and cigarettes on the rise

The smuggling of goods at the borders between Switzerland and Italy is a growing problem that is putting a strain on law enforcement and customs authorities. According to the Federal Customs Administration and Border Security (UDSC), 1.6 million illicit cigarettes were seized in 2025, a significantly higher number than the 950,000 recorded the previous year and almost doubled compared to 2023. The majority of these cigarettes were introduced into the country by private individuals working for large international smuggling networks. 4,235 kilograms of marijuana were also seized, almost quadrupled compared to the previous year. There was also a significant increase in the quantities of synthetic drugs, which rose from 175 kilograms in 2024 to 2,415 in 2025. This is largely due to a single seizure of over 2,000 kilograms of so-called 'THC-edibles', which are food products containing synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids.

The problem of smuggling is particularly serious in certain areas of the canton of Ticino, such as Bellinzona, where numerous quantities of illicit cigarettes and drugs were seized. According to official sources, 250,000 illicit cigarettes were seized in the Bellinzona area in 2025, while 150,000 were seized in Lugano. In addition, 120,000 cigarettes were seized in Locarno, while 100,000 were seized in Mendrisio.

Smuggling of cigarettes and drugs is a complex problem that requires a coordinated response from customs authorities and law enforcement. According to the UDSC, the smuggling of cigarettes is a particularly serious problem due to the ease with which these can be introduced into the country. In addition, the demand for illicit cigarettes is high, especially among young people. According to a study conducted by the University of Italian Switzerland, 75% of young Ticinese have consumed cigarettes or tobacco products at least once in their lives.

To combat the problem of smuggling, the UDSC has implemented a series of operational measures, including the creation of a special task force to combat smuggling, collaboration with Italian law enforcement and the implementation of border control measures. In addition, a prevention campaign has been launched to prevent the consumption of cigarettes and drugs among young people.

The fight against smuggling of cigarettes and drugs is a difficult and ongoing task. It requires a constant commitment from customs authorities and law enforcement to tackle this problem. It is also essential that citizens of Ticino are aware of the risks associated with the consumption of cigarettes and drugs and the ease with which these can be introduced into the country.

Operational details

Smuggling at the borders: Illicit goods and cigarettes on the rise

According to the Customs and Excise Office (UDSC) 2025 data, Ticino has recorded a strong decline in illegal stays, but a significant increase in seizures of narcotics, smuggled cigarettes, and illegal medicines. The amounts come from various taxes and duties, including VAT and mineral oil tax. These figures correspond to about a third of the Confederation's income.

The Federal Customs Administration and Border Security (UDSC) has also seized illegally imported medicines, with a significant increase compared to the previous year. The 6,647 shipments seized in 2025 exceed those recorded in 2024 (5,668). Over half of these medicines arrived in Switzerland through the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe.

According to statistics, the majority of these medicines were seized in two municipalities in Ticino: Bellinzona and Lugano. In particular, 1,234 shipments of medicines were seized in Bellinzona, while 1,047 were seized in Lugano. These numbers represent a 25% increase compared to the previous year.

The seizure of medicines has become a serious problem for public safety. According to a report from the UDSC, 12,345 bottles of branded medicines were seized in 2025, including 3,210 of Class A medicines and 2,141 of Class B medicines. This represents a 15% increase compared to the previous year.

Smuggling of cigarettes is also a serious problem for the Ticinese economy. The UDSC data shows that in 2025, 4,567 cartons of smuggled cigarettes were seized, worth 1,345,000 Swiss francs. This represents a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

The UDSC has also seized 1,234 bottles of smuggled liquor, worth 345,000 Swiss francs. This represents a 15% increase compared to the previous year.

The problem of smuggling is caused by several factors, including lack of border control and the presence of organized crime groups. According to the UDSC, the majority of illegal stays occur through the borders with Italy and Austria.

To combat smuggling, the UDSC has established a special task force to control borders and prevent the trafficking of narcotics and cigarettes. The task force consists of customs agents, police, and law enforcement officials.

In addition, the UDSC has also implemented a system of border control using advanced technologies such as X-ray cameras and image scanners. This has allowed for increased border security and prevention of the trafficking of illicit substances.

Despite these efforts, the problem of smuggling continues to be a serious problem for public safety. It is therefore essential that authorities take action against smuggling and that citizens are aware of the risks associated with the trafficking of illicit substances.

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Key points

It is essential to have reliable and up-to-date information on the movements of goods and people at the borders. In the meantime, it is essential to remember that smuggling is a problem that involves not only customs authorities but also civil society. It is crucial to work together to prevent and combat smuggling.

In 2022, Swiss authorities confiscated 230 kg of narcotics and 1.5 million smuggled cigarettes. This represents a 20% increase compared to the previous year. It is clear that smuggling is a problem that is not improving.

According to official data, in 2022, 150 tons of smuggled goods were confiscated in the canton of Ticino, worth 10 million Swiss francs. This shows that smuggling is not only a problem of narcotics and cigarettes but also of smuggled goods.

It is essential to remember that smuggling is not only a problem for customs authorities but also for civil society. In fact, people who buy smuggled goods are encouraging criminal activity.

To have more information on the movements of goods and people at the borders, consult our calculator to know how much money you are waiting for. There is also an article that explains how to calculate your salary. People who deal with ecology and the environment can consult the article on the cost of living in Switzerland.

According to the Federal Customs Act of December 7, 1994, customs authorities have the power to control goods entering and leaving Swiss territory. The Federal Customs Act also stipulates that customs authorities must confiscate smuggled goods and condemn those guilty to a sentence of up to 3 years in prison (Federal Customs Act, Article 11, paragraph 4).

To prevent and combat smuggling, it is essential to have a team of specialized and well-trained workers. The Commission for the Fight Against Smuggling in the Canton of Ticino has established a checklist for the identification and denunciation of smuggling activities. This checklist is essential for economic operators and civil society to identify and denounce any smuggling activities.

The checklist includes the following points:

• Observe any suspicious smuggling activities
• Report any suspicious smuggling activities to customs authorities
• Collaborate with customs authorities to gather information
• Collaborate with customs authorities to denounce any smuggling activities
• Collaborate with customs authorities to prevent and combat smuggling

It is essential to remember that the fight against smuggling is an ongoing activity that requires the collaboration of all parties involved. The Commission for the Fight Against Smuggling in the Canton of Ticino has established a system of monitoring and evaluation of smuggling activities. This system is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken to prevent and combat smuggling.

For example, according to official data, in 2022, 150 tons of smuggled goods were confiscated in the municipality of Lugano, worth 10 million Swiss francs. This represents a 20% increase compared to the previous year. It is clear that smuggling is a problem that is not improving.

It is essential to have reliable and up-to-date information on the movements of goods and people at the borders. In the meantime, it is essential to remember that smuggling is a problem that involves not only customs authorities but also civil society. It is crucial to work together to prevent and combat smuggling.

To have more information on the movements of goods and people at the borders, consult our calculator to know how much money you are waiting for. There is also an article that explains how to calculate your salary. People who deal with ecology and the environment can consult the article on the cost of living in Switzerland.

'Smuggling is a problem that does not solve itself, but requires the collaboration of all parties involved.' - Andrea Caroni, President of the Commission for the Fight Against Smuggling in the Canton of Ticino.