Several travellers carrying drones and other sanctioned goods across the border with Russia that could boost Moscow’s “industrial and military capabilities” have been impounded, Finland’s customs service said Wednesday
The seizures came as Finland debates restrictions on Russian visas following Moscow’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine that led to swingeing Western sanctions.
More than 2,500 checks were carried out between July 22 and 27 and around 100 such cases emerged, the customs service said.
“Currently, approximately 20 cases related to passenger traffic are under preliminary examination,” a statement said, adding that searches revealed various EU-sanctioned luxury products as well as goods that could have military applications, “such as tools used in maritime traffic.”
“There have also been drones as well as such items that we cannot comment on at this moment,” Enforcement Director Mikko Gronberg told AFP.
The increasing number of Russian tourists in Finland has spurred discontent as many think tourism should be restricted due to the war in Ukraine.
