Established criminal networks have in recent years begun to use the border crossing between Haparanda and Torneå in Finland to smuggle narcotics. In Finland, the price is often double, reports Ekot on Swedish Radio.
We see that the networks in Sweden are expanding and using routes northwards that they may not have used before. We have seen Foxtrot connections here, and the Dalen network, says Ulf Wallin, group chief at the police in Haparanda, to the radio.
The border between Haparanda and Torneå is the only land-based road to Finland, which attracts the networks. The narcotics are stored in the municipality and then transported in portions to Torneå. But some of the narcotics remain in Haparanda, and are thus easier for young people to access, according to the police.
That we have narcotics in Haparanda and that it has increased is a fact, says Wallin, who sees follow-up risks with young people becoming victims of the gangs' needs.
The recruitment base in Haparanda is quite good too, and it's something we fear because of the socio-economic situation in Haparanda not being good at all.
