Suche
Mein Konto
85-year-olds and drugs: Cannabis smuggling uncovered!
An 85-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man were stopped in Passau while smuggling drugs into Austria.
85-year-olds and drugs: Cannabis smuggling uncovered!
It should have been a harmless trip to the neighboring country, but for an 85-year-old senior citizen and her 54-year-old companion, the trip ended in a police check. The two were caught smuggling cannabis into Austria on July 5, 2025 South German newspaper reported. In the couple's car, officers found a can of marijuana, several joints and even hash cookies. Apparently they had acquired the drugs abroad and wanted to smuggle them across the border, which of course did not go unnoticed by the authorities.
During the check, the police also found clear evidence of cannabis consumption by both the senior citizen and her companion. Particularly explosive: a blood test from the driver came back positive. For this reason, the trip was ended early and the drugs were confiscated. The two are now facing criminal proceedings for illegal import and attempted export of cannabis. The driver will also have to answer for driving under the influence of drugs.
The drug situation in Austria
This incident raises questions about the drug situation in Austria. According to the annual Report on the drug situation in Austria, commissioned by the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the Ministry of Health, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Europe. What is particularly alarming is that up to 40,000 people in Austria are using opioids at risk and cocaine consumption is increasing again.
Figures from the 2022 drug report show that 40% of 15 to 24 year olds have used cannabis at least once. 5-6% of young people are no strangers to ecstasy, cocaine or amphetamines. What is particularly inquiet is that the use of illegal substances is usually limited to a short phase in life, while the risky use of opioids is often combined with other drugs or alcohol.
Prevention measures in the region
Despite these grim statistics, Austria is making efforts to take preventative measures. One example is the “Weatherproof” life skills program for students in grades 9 and up, which aims to educate young people about the dangers of drug use. In addition to protecting young people, the focus is on close cooperation between medical professionals and social institutions in order to offer tailor-made help for those affected.
This combination of education and treatment remains an important step in getting the drug problem under control in the long term. As drug numbers rise, it is even more essential to sharpen the focus on prevention and offer support for those affected.