After the pandemic: The smugglers have found new routes

The work is in full swing when SVT Nyheter Värmland visits the Norwegian customs in Magnormoen on the border with Värmland.

Here, the cameras deployed at all navigable border crossings are monitored in search of smugglers.

But now customs notices that the smugglers are increasingly choosing other routes across the border.

- They learned during the pandemic.

We have seen that they bring chainsaws and cut both trees and bushes so that they can drive where there are no cameras, says Morten Nystuen.

Reduced seizures of alcohol

At the same time, seizures of alcohol in particular have decreased sharply.

In 2019, Norwegian customs seized 4,177 liters of spirits and 4,128 liters of wine in the area.

So far this year, the seizures are 694 and 680 litres, respectively.

The Swedish customs confirms the picture.

- We notice that there are more four-wheelers and dirt bikes at the border, and that they are crossing through the forest.

There are many more places for smugglers to cross the border now, says Roger Nilsson, head of the customs control group in Hån.

Depending on tips

Norwegian customs has invested heavily in placing cameras at the regular border crossings.

The new smuggling routes now mean significantly more work.

- It is very time-consuming and requires large resources.

And we depend on the public's tips, says Morten Nystuen.