Swedish and Norwegian Drug Networks Are Integrating
The arrest of 15 members of a cross-border drug network in Tromsø, Norway, has uncovered an organized crime group active in Sweden and Norway, recruiting 15-year-olds into its illegal activities. Authorities vow to crack down on the growing drug trafficking.
“Four people are now in custody. In connection with the case, large quantities of drugs have been seized.”
This is what the police chief in Troms, Astrid Nilsen, says about a case the police have been investigating recently.
“We want to be open about a serious development. Organized crime is operating in our district,” says the police chief.
Acting as If He Is Unknown to Swedish Networks
A central person in what the police see as an organized network has been arrested and imprisoned.
The police initially assumed that the man was from Sweden, but later announced that the person is a Norwegian citizen who is registered in Sweden.
The man’s defense attorney, Tom Barth-Hofstad, says that his client has pleaded guilty after being charged.
“My client has been questioned in connection with a specific seizure, where he has pleaded guilty. He is unfamiliar with what the police call a criminal network,” he says.
“The context of connection to a criminal network in Sweden gives certain associations in these times. We are completely unfamiliar with that,” he says.
A Total of 15 People Have Been Arrested
The case has ramifications for both Oslo and Sweden, and involves several Swedish criminal actors, the police say.
Around six kilograms, mainly amphetamine and cocaine, are said to have been seized.
“A significant amount of electronic material, including many mobile phones, has also been seized,” says Nilsen.
They probably haven’t taken everything, according to prosecutor Trude Kvanli.
She does not rule out more arrests.
The police also say that drugs have been transported by car, plane, and mail.
“Documentation has been obtained for around 90 flights between Oslo and Tromsø,” continues Police Chief Nilsen.
In a press release the police have issued, it appears that 15 women and men have been charged for either aggravated drug offenses or aggravated money laundering.
Two of the women have been charged with doping and drug offenses, respectively.
The accused are in their 20s to 50s, according to the police.
Several of the defense attorneys NRK has spoken to state that their clients deny criminal guilt.
Represent One of the Biggest Threats
According to the head of prevention and investigation, Anita Hermansen, there is an increase in the recruitment of young people under 18 and 15 years of age in Troms.
“We see that young people as young as 15 are getting involved in serious drug crimes, and they are doing so in collaboration with Swedish criminal networks. It is a development that we take very seriously,” says Police Chief Nilsen.
She explains that the police in Troms have been working specifically against organized crime since the autumn of 2025.
“The goal of the effort is to combat the criminal networks, which constitute one of the biggest threats in the district. We want to combat the networks’ ability and opportunity to gain a foothold in Northern Norway and in Norway.”
“Since the start last autumn, we have uncovered several local actors in Troms with connections to national and international actors within known criminal networks.”
Head of Prevention and Investigation, Anita Hermansen, adds that the police have collaborated closely with other countries.
“We also collaborate with Kripos. Especially when there are people from other countries involved.”
We Are Seeing Results
Minister of Justice Astri Aas-Hansen says that criminal networks should not gain a foothold in Norway.
“Organized criminals are involved in economic crime to a greater extent than before, and we know that what really hurts is taking away their money and valuables,” she tells NRK.
The minister points to results from what she calls efforts against organized crime:
“All police districts have been given larger and more robust professional environments to combat organized crime. We see that international police cooperation has improved, and Norwegian police have established closer cooperation with Swedish and European police. We are seeing the results of this now.”
“Criminal networks should not gain a foothold in Norway,” she continues. “Combating criminal networks is a clear priority in the government’s plan for Norway.”
Source: NRK (in Norwegian)