Drug smugglers in Bergneustadt: Large cannabis network uncovered!

Drug smugglers in Bergneustadt: Large cannabis network uncovered!

On Friday, January 24, 2025, the Cologne public prosecutor carried out a comprehensive raid in a hall on Dörspestraße in Bergneustadt. The focus was on suspicion of illegal production and trade in narcotics. The investigators encountered an impressive amount of more than 800 cannabis plants that were grown in the hall. In addition, extensive growing materials were ensured that indicate a professional plantation.

As part of this search, three men aged 21 to 43 were arrested. All three had no permanent residence, which made the investigation more difficult. The judge ordered pre -trial detention that the measures to further clarify the allegations are underway. In this context, the police are also looking for witnesses and is asking to contact the crime commissioner 1 in Gummersbach on 02261 81990 if someone has information.

increasing number of cannabis plantations in Germany

The discovery of this plantation is another sign of the increasing number of cannabis plantations in Germany. More and more consumers are choosing to grow cannabis themselves. This enables you to determine the quality, type and amount of your product yourself. The extension represents a less risky alternative to drug trafficking, which is increasingly used by many dealers. Such plantations are often revealed by anonymous information from the circle of acquaintances or by neighbors. This shows a serious change in dealing with and perception of cannabis in society.

The possession of cannabis seeds is punishable according to the Narcotics Act (BTMG) if someone is caught growing. This applies regardless of the breeding goals that are pursued. It becomes particularly problematic if the cultivation takes place in no small quantities. From a lot of 7.5 grams THC, a minimum penalty of one year threatens. Even more serious punishments can be imposed on gang cultivation.

drug crime in Germany

The current raid in Bergneustadt is part of a worrying trend. In 2022, the German police registered a total of 346,877 drug offenses, which represents an increase of 1.8 % compared to the previous year. Cannabis still remains the most common drug, with a share of around two thirds of the offenses. In 2023, 207,563 drug offenses were recorded in connection with cannabis.

The educational rate for drug offenses fell slightly to 90.8 %. There are remarkable 266,280 people in the pool of suspects. In 2023, several plantations were secured with over 20 plants. This comprises 146 large plantations and 37 professional plantations.

Another aspect of drug crime is trading on internet platforms and messenger services that have reached a record level. The police have now taken extensive measures to combat drug crime to break through the logistics chain in drug trafficking. In 2023, the police also recorded 2,227 drug -related deaths, an alarming increase of 11.9 % compared to 2022.

The incidents in Bergneustadt make it clear that dealing with cannabis in Germany is increasingly being taken seriously, not only in terms of combating illegal plantations, but also in a larger context that includes the drug crime as a whole. The political discourse on possible legalization is not neglected in this context, but is still characterized by complex social and legal issues.

and continues to flourish during the black market, the question remains open how Germany will deal with the challenges in the field of drug crime.

Anwalt.de reports that the cultivation of cannabis is associated with considerable legal consequences and that the legal framework for many consumers is still unclear.