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Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, led 12 European countries and international partners in a coordinated effort to tackle the increasingly sophisticated criminal groups involved in the smuggling of goods across European borders.

This two-week initiative under the name “Joint Action Day (JAD) Finestra 4” spotlighted the remarkable coordination and innovative strategies employed by law enforcement to outmanoeuvre criminal smuggling networks.

These groups are proving to be highly flexible, creative, and willing to adapt to evade detection. Increased border controls and cooperation allowed law enforcement authorities to stay one step ahead of the criminals by uncovering their latest methods of operation.

“Joint Action Day (JAD) Finestra 4” resulted in significant seizures of illicit goods and the disruption of smuggling networks.

• 20.8 million cigarettes and 2384 kg of tobacco intercepted;

• 21 053 litres of alcohol seized;

• 310 kg of marijuana seized;

• 1 470 irregular border crossings detected;

• 24 cases of forged documents uncovered

One of the most remarkable findings was the discovery of sophisticated smuggling methods, including improvised balloons to transport illegal cigarettes into the EU.

First reported by Lithuanian border guards in September 2023, the balloon method involves releasing them into the air from Belarus, carrying up to 10 000 cigarettes each.

These balloons can soar up to 3 000 metres and travel up to 700 km, with their movements tracked via GPS. Local criminals in EU countries then retrieve the illicit cargo once the balloons land. During JAD Finestra 4, authorities intercepted 14 of these balloons.

This novel smuggling technique not only evades traditional border checks but also presents a serious aviation safety risk, prompting concern from aviation and security experts.

Bulgarian authorities also discovered more than 300 kg of marijuana during the Frontex-led international operation.

In one case, an X-ray scan, followed by a canine search, revealed 233 kg of marijuana hidden within a specially designed double wall of a lorry trailer. Three days later, law enforcement authorities) discovered 77 kg of marijuana concealed in garage door frames carried by another lorry.     

The collaboration of 12 nations and numerous partners reflects Frontex’s commitment to not just managing borders but also ensuring that Europe remains alert and prepared against evolving threats. By combining advanced surveillance technology with real-time intelligence sharing, Frontex and its partners are setting a new benchmark in the fight against cross-border crime.

Joint Action Days Finestra 4 are part of the EMPACT operational action plan.

JAD Finestra 4 successfully prevented and detected cases of smuggling tobacco, electronic cigarettes and alcohol, as well as irregular migration. They also successfully disrupted criminal activities such as drug and firearm trafficking and the use of fraudulent documents.

Significant support was provided by Europol, EUBAM, Interpol, and SELEC.

EU countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia

Non-EU countries: Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine

The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) tackles the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime syndicates affecting the EU. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners. EMPACT runs in four-year cycles focusing on common EU crime priorities.