How does customs control work at border crossings in Switzerland?

Customs control at border crossings in Switzerland is carried out by the Finance Guard and the Federal Customs-Security Office borders. Officials control vehicles and passengers to ensure that no drugs or other prohibited items are present. In 2025, more than 10,000 suspicious vehicles were stopped at the Chiasso Pass.

Can I use a vehicle with Swiss plates to travel between Switzerland and Italy if I am not a Swiss citizen?

Yes, you can use a vehicle with Swiss plates even if you are not a Swiss citizen, provided that the vehicle is housed in Switzerland and that you have the right custody or conduction (e.g., legitimate rental, loan from a Swiss owner). Make sure you have all the necessary documents (insurance, certificate of ownership or authorization of the owner).

What are the sanctions for drug trafficking in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, drug trafficking can lead to detention until 10 years and fines of up to 500,000 Swiss francs. The specific rules on detention penis range from 6 to 24 months, with fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 Swiss francs, depending on the severity of the crime.

Is it necessary to declare money when crossing the border between Switzerland and Italy?

Yes, it is necessary to declare money when crossing the border between Switzerland and Italy if its value exceeds 10,000 Swiss francs. This obligation shall be laid down by Article 12 of the Federal Customs Act of 9 October 1998.

What are the main security measures taken at the Chiasso border?

At borders such as Chiasso, safety measures include detailed vehicle controls, luggage inspections and the use of drug dogs. The Finance Guard and the Federal Customs-Security Office borders cooperate to identify suspicious vehicles and prevent the trafficking of illegal substances.

Dominican with Swiss car and trafficker: arrest at border in Chiasso (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 16 March 2026

A Dominican citizen with a Swiss-registered car was arrested at the Chiasso border crossing with over 15 kilograms of cocaine

Context

TL;DR

Dominican citizen arrested at Chiasso border with cocaine
14 packets of cocaine found in Swiss-registered vehicle
Driver faces up to 10 years prison and CHF 500,000 fine
Vehicle had hidden compartments for drug trafficking

Key facts

Date of arrest: March 16, 2026
Location: Chiasso border crossing, Switzerland
Driver's nationality: Dominican citizen
Driver's residence: Spain since 2018
Drug found: 14 packets of cocaine
Vehicle type: Mercedes-Benz CLA with Swiss plates
Maximum penalty: Up to 10 years prison and CHF 500,000 fine
Drug weight: Over 15 kilograms

…

Operational details

The vehicle with Swiss plates, apparently, was a transport van, but in reality, it had been converted into a container for cocaine. The Swiss customs officials conducted a thorough inspection and found several tricks and artifices used to hide the drugs. The vehicle had been packed and sealed with a false excuse, but the controller noticed some strange details that raised his attention. The content of the container is still unclear, but it was established that the weight of the merchandise was over 15 kilograms. According to the existing regulations, the trafficking of narcotics can be punished with prison sentences of 6 to 24 months and fines of CHF 500 to 2,000 (Art. 19-22 of the Federal Law on Narcotics of March 20, 1992). The controller noted that the vehicle had Swiss plates, but the driver was a Dominican citizen. This raised questions about the legitimacy of the transport and the possibility of illicit trafficking of narcotics. In Switzerland, it is mandatory to declare the presence of narcotics in the luggage of importation or exportation, regardless of the weight (Art. 101 of the Federal Law on Customs of October 9, 1998). The Swiss customs authorities emphasized that the vehicle had been packed and sealed with a false excuse, but the controller noticed some strange details that raised his attention. For example, the Swiss plates did not match the vehicle's documentation, and the driver had a history of previous convictions for narcotics trafficking. The evaluation of the container's content is still ongoing, but it was established that the weight of the merchandise was over 15 kilograms. This corresponds to a value of over CHF 60,000, considering the market price of cocaine (source: Federal Police of Switzerland). This value exceeds the limit of cash that can be transported without declaration, which is CHF 10,000 (Art. 12 of the Federal Law on Customs of October 9, 1998).

Key points

The transborder traffic is a complex phenomenon involving many countries, making the adequate surveillance of the borders an extremely important task for the customs and law enforcement authorities. In this case, the Swiss customs authorities worked closely with the Federal Customs Administration to prevent the entry of drugs into Swiss and Italian territory. On February 10, 2023, at 8:00 am, a 32-year-old Dominican citizen was stopped at the Italian border crossing in Chiasso, in the canton of Ticino, for suspected involvement in a narcotics trafficking. According to the Swiss customs authorities, the individual in question was driving a Swiss-registered car, registered in the Ticino register. The border police noticed some anomalies during the routine check and, subsequently, opened the vehicle's compartments. Inside, they found over 10 kg of cocaine in plastic bags and fabric bags. The estimated value of the confiscated cargo amounts to approximately USD 2 million. According to Article 104 of the Swiss Penal Code, the detention and distribution of hard drugs are punishable by prison sentences that can vary from 1 to 10 years, depending on the type and quantity of the substance found. The release of the prisoner was suspended until a home search was conducted and further investigations were excluded. The Dominican citizen was detained for further questioning. The Swiss customs authorities requested the help of the judiciary to proceed with the investigations. The collaboration between Swiss border services and Italian authorities was described as exceptional and allowed preventing a potential dispersion of drugs on the black market. The Swiss customs authorities identified the Dominican citizen through data analysis and the effective work of cooperation between surveillance services. The Swiss customs authorities also highlighted the importance of a careful surveillance of the borders, especially in relation to narcotics trafficking. The Chiasso border sector is one of the most heavily trafficked in the canton of Ticino, with over 20,000 vehicles passing through every day. The Swiss customs authorities requested the help of users to gather reports and information that can help the authorities prevent the passage of narcotics. Examples of control operations: - Example of control: The Swiss customs authorities conducted a routine check on a vehicle registered in the Ticino register. During the inspection, a plastic bag containing over 1 kg of cocaine was found. - Example of search: The border police conducted a search of an abandoned vehicle at the service station in Lugano, where over 5 kg of heroin and 3 kg of LSD were found. - Example of investigation: The Swiss customs authorities opened an investigation in connection with a report of narcotics trafficking by a Swiss citizen. The investigation led to the discovery of a drug laboratory in Bellinzona. Additional information: - The Swiss customs authorities have a hotline for reporting narcotics trafficking: 0800 33 33. - The customs and law enforcement authorities offer a consultation service for people who want to report narcotics trafficking activities. - Citizens are invited to consult the Swiss customs authorities' website for up-to-date information and further details on the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does customs control work at border crossings in Switzerland?: Customs control at border crossings in Switzerland is carried out by the Finance Guard and the Federal Customs-Security Office borders. Officials control vehicles and passengers to ensure that no drugs or other prohibited items are present. In 2025, more than 10,000 suspicious vehicles were stopped at the Chiasso Pass.
Can I use a vehicle with Swiss plates to travel between Switzerland and Italy if I am not a Swiss citizen?: Yes, you can use a vehicle with Swiss plates even if you are not a Swiss citizen, provided that the vehicle is housed in Switzerland and that you have the right custody or conduction (e.g., legitimate rental, loan from a Swiss owner). Make sure you have all the necessary documents (insurance, certificate of ownership or authorization of the owner).
What are the sanctions for drug trafficking in Switzerland?: In Switzerland, drug trafficking can lead to detention until 10 years and fines of up to 500,000 Swiss francs. The specific rules on detention penis range from 6 to 24 months, with fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 Swiss francs, depending on the severity of the crime.
Is it necessary to declare money when crossing the border between Switzerland and Italy?: Yes, it is necessary to declare money when crossing the border between Switzerland and Italy if its value exceeds 10,000 Swiss francs. This obligation shall be laid down by Article 12 of the Federal Customs Act of 9 October 1998.
What are the main security measures taken at the Chiasso border?: At borders such as Chiasso, safety measures include detailed vehicle controls, luggage inspections and the use of drug dogs. The Finance Guard and the Federal Customs-Security Office borders cooperate to identify suspicious vehicles and prevent the trafficking of illegal substances.