Doping smuggling attempts into the country have risen for the fifth consecutive year, prompting the Ministry of Taxation to consider increased controls on dispatched packages. Last year saw 1,833 attempts to smuggle doping intercepted, with over 205,000 pills and ampoules seized.

In addition to the pills and ampoules, authorities confiscated 40 kilos of raw materials used in the production of doping substances. The Tax Agency believes the majority of seized doping is intended for private consumption, as it is primarily discovered in mail and packages.

The 2023 figures show 1,375 smuggling attempts were prevented, leading to the discovery of 153,284 pills and ampoules. Minister of Taxation Rasmus Stoklund expressed deep concern over the increasing trend, emphasizing the detrimental effects of doping on individuals’ health and lives and the need to stop its influx into Denmark.

The rise in intercepted packages containing undesirable goods such as doping, weapons, or drugs has led the Ministry of Taxation to explore ways to enhance the Customs Agency’s capabilities. Stoklund is examining how to provide the Customs Agency with the resources needed to effectively address the growing challenge of package control and safeguard Denmark.

The largest single seizure in 2024 involved 14,000 pills ordered online and shipped from Germany. Once doping is seized, it is turned over to the Police, who then determine whether to conduct further investigations and press charges.