Vorarlberg customs seize drugs, weapons and 790 litres of champagne

Vorarlberg customs officers recorded 430 successful interceptions in the first half of 2026, including drugs, prohibited weapons and goods lacking species-protection permits, ORF reported. They carried out more than 5,000 truck inspections and around 16,000 mobile vehicle checks during the period.

Officials seized narcotics 120 times in road and postal traffic. The inspections also uncovered smuggled cigarettes and violations of species and plant protection rules.

Controls are particularly frequent because of Vorarlberg’s geographical position and its proximity to Switzerland. The Federal Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for customs matters, told ORF Vorarlberg that travel traffic is checked daily at the borders, both on entry and exit.

Among the unusual discoveries were two walking sticks that turned out to contain concealed stabbing weapons. Their blades were built into the inside of the sticks and could be pulled out. The items were confiscated.

In one of 220 mobile checks, authorities also seized 790 litres of champagne worth around 23,000 euros. Customs officers additionally confiscated two crocodile-leather handbags because they lacked the required CITES documents. The international species-protection agreement regulates trade in protected animal and plant species and products made from them.