Hamburg, January 8 – Customs investigators conducted extensive raids in Hamburg and Lower Saxony on Wednesday, seizing several tons of illegal diet products and cosmetics. The operation, involving more than 120 customs officers, led to the arrest of a 41-year-old woman who is now in custody.
Extensive Seizure of Illegal Products
During the searches, customs officials discovered and secured tons of tea and coffee products, as well as capsules containing health-damaging sibutramine. According to the customs office, these products have a black market value exceeding 600,000 euros. Additionally, tons of illegally imported cosmetics were found in storage rooms and garages, with an estimated value of around 500,000 euros.
“The seized products containing sibutramine pose a significant health risk to consumers,” stated a customs spokesperson. “Our investigation aims to dismantle these illegal distribution networks and protect the public from dangerous goods.”
Investigation Against a 41-Year-Old Woman
The background to these seizures is an ongoing investigation against a 41-year-old woman. She is suspected of being the mastermind behind the illegal trade and is believed to have received assistance from eleven other suspects. The woman was taken into custody following the raids.
Customs authorities have not yet released further details about the other suspects or the exact nature of their involvement. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities anticipate further developments as evidence is processed.
Operation Details and Scope
The operation involved a significant deployment of resources, with more than 120 customs officers participating in the searches across Hamburg and Lower Saxony. The coordinated effort highlights the commitment of customs officials to combating the illegal import and distribution of unauthorized products.
“This was a complex operation requiring meticulous planning and execution,” commented a senior customs official. “The sheer volume of seized goods underscores the scale of the illegal activities we are confronting.”
The seized products will undergo further analysis to determine their precise composition and potential health risks. Authorities are also investigating the supply chains and distribution networks used by the suspects to bring these illegal goods into the market.
Broader Implications for Consumer Safety
The seizure serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated products, particularly those marketed for weight loss or cosmetic enhancement. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing such items, especially from unofficial sources or online platforms.
Sibutramine, a substance found in some of the seized diet products, was previously used as an appetite suppressant but was withdrawn from the market in many countries due to serious cardiovascular side effects. Its presence in these illegal products poses a significant health threat to unsuspecting consumers.
The illegal cosmetics market also presents risks, as these products may contain harmful ingredients, lack proper labeling, or fail to meet safety standards. Consumers are encouraged to purchase cosmetics only from reputable retailers and to be wary of unusually low prices or unverified claims.
Customs and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the illegal trade of such products, aiming to safeguard public health and protect consumers from fraudulent and dangerous goods.
Further updates on the investigation are expected as more information becomes available.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/zoll-in-hamburg-beschlagnahmt-abnehm-produkte-und-kosmetika,kurzehh-2154.html
