German customs seize 1,400 Lyrica pills in Saudi traveller's car
German customs officers have foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 1,400 pills suspected to be Lyrica into the country. The incident occurred when a traveller arriving from Saudi Arabia was stopped at an inspection checkpoint. Authorities remain on high alert as smuggling cases involving the drug have surged in recent years.
The traveller was intercepted after customs inspectors detected suspicious items in his vehicle. A search revealed around 1,391 pills hidden inside, which officers suspected to be Lyrica (pregabalin). Legal action has since been taken against the individual involved.
Over the past five years, smuggling of Lyrica into Germany has risen sharply. According to the Zollkriminalamt's annual reports, detected cases jumped by 45% from 1,200 in 2021 to 1,740 in 2025. This increase far outpaces that of other controlled substances, such as opioids like tramadol (up 12%) and benzodiazepines like Xanax (up 8%).
Customs personnel operate with advanced inspection technology to identify illegal shipments. Teams remain vigilant around the clock, ensuring border security despite regional challenges. Their readiness and professionalism continue to play a key role in preventing drug trafficking.
The latest seizure highlights the growing trend of Lyrica smuggling into Germany. With detection systems running at peak efficiency, customs officers are equipped to tackle such attempts. The suspect now faces legal consequences as authorities maintain strict control over illegal drug imports.
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