The case in summary Swedish uniformed customs officers are now allowed to carry weapons in certain situations at the control stations because they fear confrontations with violent criminals. This has led to a discussion in Norway about whether Norwegian customs officers should also be allowed to carry weapons. In Sweden, the customs officers are responsible for investigating large drug seizures, while this is the task of the police in Norway. The Norwegian Customs Union believes that it is the same criminals who pass Norwegian customs officers, and that it should therefore be considered whether they should also be allowed to carry weapons. Director of Customs Øystein Børmer does not want Norwegian customs officers to carry weapons, but does not completely rule it out. Børmer believes that the most important thing is to increase the staffing at the checkpoints to make everyday life safe for the customs officers. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. Serious criminals travel across the border between Norway and Sweden. The customs officials fear they will have to use weapons against the personnel along the border. – We have seen examples of criminals trying to take back large seizures of drugs in European countries. It can also happen here, says Johan Lindgren. He heads the Swedish customs union Tull-Kust, which organizes both customs officers and employees of the Swedish Coast Guard. The leader of the Swedish Customs Union, Johan Lindgren, believes that firearms are necessary for his members to be able to defend themselves against more violent criminals. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news In Sweden, the customs office is also responsible for investigating large drug seizures, and today civilian Swedish customs officers can carry weapons in actions against suspects. In Norway, this is the task of the police. It is now possible for the uniformed Swedish customs officers at checkpoints, such as at Svinesund, to arm themselves in situations where, for example, large drug seizures are to be guarded and transported from the checkpoint. – For our employees’ safety, they must have the opportunity to defend themselves, and then they need firearms, says Lindgren. Swedish customs officers fear that the same will happen in Sweden as has happened in other countries; that criminals use weapons to get back seized goods. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news Pepper spray and handcuffs On the Norwegian side of Svinesund, customs officer Martine Jensen is checking cars rolling in from Sweden. If some people should become threatening, she only has a small box to turn to. Toller Martine Jensen shows what she has to defend herself with – a pepper spray. She has never used it. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news – It’s the pepper spray. It is the fiercest thing I have, she says. In addition, she has a set of handcuffs. But the routine is to call the police if dangerous situations arise, and to withdraw. The Norwegian Customs Union is aware that it is the same criminals who cross our borders and customs officials. Karin Tanderø Schaug is head of the Norwegian Customs Union. The head of the Norwegian Customs Union, Karin Tanderø Schaug, is most concerned with having more people on duty at the control stations. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news – The fact that Swedish customs officers are now allowed to use weapons means that we have to take it up for consideration here as well. Crime is escalating, and the criminals use weapons themselves. The risk for them is low and the payoff is high for using weapons, and we have to accept that, says Schaug. But the most important thing for her is to increase the staffing at the checkpoints to make everyday life safe for the customs officials. – We are often alone on duty and need more customs officials at the border, she says. – Weapons not at the top of the pile Last week there was a meeting between the Swedish and Norwegian customs unions at Svinesund, where the Norwegian customs director Øystein Børmer was also present. The background is uneasiness about what the Customs Union describes as “Swedish conditions” and the organized crime they are witnessing. He basically does not want Norwegian customs officers to carry weapons. Director of Customs Øystein Børmer does not want Swedish conditions, with the arming of its people at the border. But he does not rule out that it could come. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news – With the threat assessment we have now and the tradition we have in Norway of this, arming the customs officers is not particularly high in the pile of measures we are considering, says Børmer. But he does not want to rule it out completely, and Børmer shares the concern about the development in the criminal circles, with increased risk for the customs officers. Therefore, the Norwegian Customs Authority is looking at several measures. – We are following developments closely, and have already implemented or are in the process of implementing several measures to strengthen employee safety. It can go on protective equipment. At the same time, one of the most important things is to have enough people at work at the same time, so that we can cope as best as possible with the situations that may arise. The customs officers are often helped by the police. At Svinesund they are nearby, but in many places they are not. There, the Customs Agency must assess which situations they should enter into, or withdraw from. – There are no seizures that are worth the life and health of my employees, says the director of customs.
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Swedish customs officials will be allowed to carry weapons – news Østfold – Local news, TV and radio
