Increase in drug availability noted in Finland as new substances emerge

There is currently an increase in drug availability in Finland compared to previous years. Hans Fagerström, a crime commissioner from the National Bureau of Investigation, suggested on Yle’s morning TV program that 2023 may set records for drug-related activities. His assessment is based on police and customs seizures as well as wastewater studies.

A significant rise has been noticed in the quantities of cocaine and alpha-PVP, known colloquially as “peukun.” Fagerström pointed out that major cities in southern Finland, including the capital region, Turku, and Tampere, are particularly at risk.

One of the pressing issues is the emergence of new psychoactive substances. Recently, customs shut down a marketplace known as Sipulitie operating on the Tor network; however, customs officer Hannu Sinkkonen mentioned that this would not stop drug trafficking in Finland, as foreign websites continue to operate and street sales persist. Only a small fraction of total drug transactions is captured by customs.

The appearance of entirely new psychoactive substances is a concerning trend. Sinkkonen noted that nearly one-third of all drugs found last year were completely new, posing challenges for classification and enforcement. If such substances have not yet been classified as illegal, they may be allowed in circulation.

Fagerström observed that traditional user groups are increasingly joined by members of the middle class, who particularly use cocaine and marijuana. He emphasized that for many in this demographic, drug use is often viewed as a lifestyle choice, with little thought given to the exploitation and violence within the production and trafficking chains. According to Sinkkonen, “Fair trade cocaine does not exist.”

The routes for drug trafficking to Finland are diverse, with cocaine typically coming from South America via the Netherlands or Spain, while amphetamines are imported from Central Europe, and synthetic drugs from China. The Schengen Agreement facilitates drug movement, as transportation companies are used to ship drugs just like any other goods, complicating enforcement efforts but also providing intelligence on shipments.