Smuggling at the borders: Illicit goods and cigarettes on the rise (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

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.

Contesto

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 synthe...

Dettagli operativi

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 probl...

Punti chiave

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...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How many illegal cigarettes were seized in 2025 in Switzerland?","a":"According to data from the Federal Office for Customs and Security of the borders (UDSC), 1.6 million illegal cigarettes were seized in 2025."},{"q":"What is the main origin of drugs seized in Ticino?","a":"According to UDSC data, more than half of the drugs seized in Ticino comes from the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe."},{"q":"What are the most affected areas of Ticino by drug smuggling and cigarettes in 2025?","a":"The most affected areas are Bellinzona, Lugano, Locarno and Mendrisio, with significant seizure of illegal cigarettes and drugs, such as 250,000 cigarettes in Bellinzona and over 4,200 kg of marijuana seized in the canton."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How many illegal cigarettes were seized in 2025 in Switzerland?
According to data from the Federal Office for Customs and Security of the borders (UDSC), 1.6 million illegal cigarettes were seized in 2025.
What is the main origin of drugs seized in Ticino?
According to UDSC data, more than half of the drugs seized in Ticino comes from the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe.
What are the most affected areas of Ticino by drug smuggling and cigarettes in 2025?
The most affected areas are Bellinzona, Lugano, Locarno and Mendrisio, with significant seizure of illegal cigarettes and drugs, such as 250,000 cigarettes in Bellinzona and over 4,200 kg of marijuana seized in the canton.

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