BERLIN

Drug trafficking is increasing in Germany, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) announced in a statement on Thursday.

Almost 56,000 drug trafficking offenses were registered last year. This corresponds to a rise of 2.9% compared to the previous year.

According to authorities, the number of drug offenses – including possession and acquisition – fell slightly by a little more than 1% to a total of around 361,000.

Most of the drugs seized by the police and customs were smuggled to Germany by land and sea.

The internet has further established itself as a sales channel, the BKA said at the presentation of the "Federal situation report on drug crime 2021".

The death toll of people who died last year as a result of their drug addiction stood at 1,826. According to the BKA, this indicates a 15.5% rise. The most common causes of death were heroin and opiate substitution drug use.

Reacting to the report, BKA Vice President Martina Link said: “Drug trafficking and smuggling of narcotics are the main fields of activity and significant sources of income for organized crime in Germany. It's a business that makes millions - across all drug types."

"We will continue to strengthen our drug crime capabilities and step up anti-money laundering and asset recovery efforts to deprive criminals of their revenue,” she added.