Helsinki Police intensify operations as drug crime surges

By admin On Sep 26, 2025

Drug crime has reached record levels, according to the Helsinki Police. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva

Helsinki Police have significantly increased patrols, emergency readiness, investigations and deportations in response to a sharp rise in disturbances linked to drug use and trafficking.

According to the police, residents have repeatedly reported disorder and feelings of insecurity caused by drug activity. In 2025, police presence in high-disturbance areas grew by 121 percent compared with last year. Officers have removed 31,452 disruptive individuals from public spaces, up 68 percent, and detained 11,367 people, a 20 percent rise.

Emergency calls have also grown. From January to August, urgent incidents increased by 13 percent, yet the average response time fell to 4.8 minutes. The total number of call-outs for 2025 is projected at 161,380.

“Police are arriving at emergency scenes faster than ever before thanks to expanded visible patrols in high-risk areas,” said Chief Inspector Jere Roimu.

Drug crime has reached record levels. By the end of August, 3,469 narcotics offences had been uncovered, 14 percent more than a year earlier. Police seized 2,041 kilograms of drugs, a rise of 580 percent from 2024. Seizures included cannabis, amphetamines, Alfa-PVP and cocaine.

“The number and volume of seizures have increased across all major substances,” said Detective Inspector Jari Illukka.

The share of foreign nationals involved in street and online drug sales has risen. In response, police have intensified deportations based on criminal grounds. Between January and August, 598 people were removed from the country, 50 percent more than last year.

“This growth stems largely from strengthened enforcement and the integration of deportations into routine measures to maintain public order,” said Chief Inspector Simo Kauppinen. A change in the Aliens Act has expanded police powers in this area.

Police Chief Jari Liukku said the force’s primary goal is to meet residents’ expectations of basic policing, but warned that addressing Finland’s growing drug problem requires broader cooperation.

“Stopping the increase in drug use, especially among young people, is essential for overall security. It demands real-time intelligence, preventive communication, a sharper social stance and a shared understanding across the public sector of the causes, solutions and responsibilities,” Liukku said.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi