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Illegal drug imports - not through our port!

HHLA takes the risk of organised drug-related crime very seriously and has therefore implemented wide-ranging measures to counteract the smuggling of illegal drugs via the port and to protect employees. To this end, HHLA has launched an internal awareness campaign to inform employees once again about the issue of illegal drug imports, the associated risks, and appropriate courses of action and behaviour.

From production and supply to consumption – organised drug crime has a severe impact on society. Drugs reach Europe via various routes. Maritime smuggling remains particularly significant for criminal organisations. This is evidenced by several major cocaine seizures, including a record-breaking 16 tonnes seized in the Port of Hamburg in February 2021. These figures are comparable to those recorded in other European ports.

This short film shows from various perspectives how people who work in the port environment can become involved in organised drug crime with actions that at first glance seem trivial.

Unfortunately, the port of Hamburg is also used by criminal organisations for illegal drug smuggling. External offenders often require the assistance of individuals working in the port area. HHLA employees may also be approached in this context. Anyone involved in illegal drug smuggling must expect disciplinary and legal consequences. It is therefore essential to raise awareness about the risks associated with involvement in drug smuggling. Drug smuggling threatens the safety and reputation of all of us!

This short film shows how potential addressees can recognise “recruitment attempts” by criminal offenders and how they can protect themselves against them.

How can we work together to combat drug smuggling?

The criminals use various ways to make contact: e.g. in person during leisure activities or digitally via social media. They do this very convincingly and eloquently, promise large sums of money and play down the risk.

How can I recognise contact attempts?

  • Contacts during leisure time: a stranger asks various questions, sometimes very detailed, about your work at the port and the processes there
  • Calls at work in which people you do not know claim to be HHLA employees (e.g. from another department) and ask specific questions about systems or processes
  • Dubious or unknown inquiries on social media
  • Dubious and unprofessional offers from potential new business partners (e.g. freight forwarders, employment agencies)

Remain alert to irregularities: These can be, for example, unusual container processes or casual queries about relevant operational information from people who have no work-related need for it.

How do I recognise anomalies?

  • Unauthorised and unannounced persons on company premises
  • A stranger offers money or benefits in exchange for information or actions
  • An unauthorised person asks for unusual information about a specific container (e.g. release order)
  • Bags/backpacks or other containers next to (open) containers
  • An unauthorised person asks for a container to be placed in a specific location
  • Unusual questions from people about handling processes, even though the person does not need this information for work-related reasons
  • Irregular system queries

Don't put yourself and your colleagues in danger! Firmly and clearly reject any suspicious inquiries: “No, not with me!” If you are unsure or notice anything unusual, contact your superiors and use the official reporting channels. You can also submit protected and anonymous reports via our whistleblower portal mentioned below. If you notice anything unusual, have questions or uncertainties about correct behaviour or have concerns, please contact your superiors, the HHLA Compliance department or send a report via our HHLA whistleblower portal (BKMS® system):

If you have any information about illegal drug imports in the port, you can also contact the police anti-drug hotline directly:

However, in an emergency, please call the police emergency number (110) directly.

What HHLA is doing to combat drug smuggling

At HHLA, there are a number of measures in place at HHLA to combat drug smuggling, including in particular:

  • Cooperation with the authorities: Through close cooperation with the police and customs authorities, suspicious  patterns can be identified early on, allowing illegal drug imports to be addressed at an early stage.
  • Protection of facilities: Through cooperation with the responsible port security authority, the security of our terminals and protection against unauthorised access is continuously monitored and protective measures are updated or strengthened where necessary.
  • Ongoing review of our processes and systems for potential vulnerabilities that could lead to the manipulation of processes to support illegal activities: Criminals are very well organised and creative. It is therefore important that we identify weaknesses in our systems and processes at an early stage to prevent such activities as quickly as possible.
  • Raising awareness among our employees: Through targeted information and further communication measures, employees are made aware of the issue and are provided with guidance on appropriate behaviour.
  • Operation of reporting channels and consistent investigation of incoming information: We take every report of potential illegal activities seriously and investigate further. Any support of illegal drug imports will not be tolerated!

Further questions?

If you have any further questions on the subject of drug-related crime, you can also contact us internally by e-mail at any time.

Write an e-mail