Austrian cannabis suspect arrested at Hörbranz border crossing

German authorities arrested a 29-year-old Austrian man suspected of drug trafficking during a check at the Hörbranz border crossing on the A96 motorway on Monday, ORF reported. He was wanted under a European arrest warrant and is accused of helping distribute cannabis worth more than 1.5 million euros.

Police stopped two occupants of an Austrian car. They found illegal quantities of anabolic steroids in the vehicle’s driver and 1.1 grams of cannabis on the 29-year-old passenger. Importing the cannabis into Germany is prohibited.

According to Lower Austria police, the passenger had allegedly been involved since 2024 in operating five cannabis plantations in Lower Austria as a member of a criminal organisation. Police estimate that between 500 and 600 kilograms were harvested and sold. He had been wanted across Europe since May 2026.

Several searches carried out

Several apartment searches were conducted in Austria as part of the investigation. The criminal organisation is believed to comprise at least six people. Some have already been arrested, while others remain wanted under European arrest warrants. The 29-year-old is also suspected of involvement in two cases of online trading fraud.

Extradition proceedings under way

German authorities initially handed both suspects over to the Federal Customs Administration. The driver was then allowed to continue his journey, while the 29-year-old was due to appear before the Kempten local court before being extradited to Austria.

Lower Austria police said the extradition procedure was being handled by the Federal Criminal Police Office. The suspect has agreed to an expedited procedure, meaning his extradition to Austria could take place as early as next week.