German police seize small boats and gear in first raids under new anti‑smuggling law

German police and customs officials carried out the first coordinated raids under a newly enacted anti‑smuggling statute on Tuesday, confiscating dozens of small dinghies and a large stock of life jackets along the country’s northern coastline. The operations, conducted by the Federal Police, the Customs Investigation Office and regional maritime authorities, targeted vessels suspected of being used to transport illegal goods and migrants across the North Sea and the Baltic. Investigators reported seizing more than 30 inflatable boats and over 200 life‑saving vests, all of which were taken into evidence for further forensic analysis.

The new law, which came into force earlier this month, expands police powers to search and seize equipment linked to illicit maritime activities and imposes harsher penalties on organized smuggling networks. Authorities said the raids demonstrate a heightened commitment to curbing cross‑border trafficking and are expected to serve as a deterrent to similar operations. Officials indicated that follow‑up investigations will continue, with additional inspections planned for other ports and coastal areas in the coming weeks.