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Drugs Found in Berlin Prisons: Over 2.8 Kilos Seized in Early 2026
🇩🇪 Germany /Crime & Justice

Drugs Found in Berlin Prisons: Over 2.8 Kilos Seized in Early 2026

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Berlin prisons discovered over 2.8 kilograms of drugs in the first quarter of 2026, a slight decrease from the previous year.
  • Synthetic cannabinoids were the most frequently found drugs, followed by other cannabinoids, cocaine, heroin, and painkillers.
  • The increase in detected drugs may be due to more smuggling or improved detection methods, as authorities also found phones, chargers, and other contraband.

Berlin's correctional facilities have seen a significant number of drug discoveries in the current year, with over 2.8 kilograms of narcotics seized in the first quarter of 2026. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the more than 11.3 kilograms found throughout the entirety of 2025, and the approximately 14.7 kilograms seized in the year prior.

In the first quarter of 2026, more than 2.8 kilograms of narcotics were discovered.

— Senate Department for JusticeThe Senate Department for Justice provided statistics on drug seizures in Berlin prisons.

The most prevalent substances found were synthetic cannabinoids, totaling 1,826.57 grams, followed by other cannabinoids like marijuana and hashish (831.95 grams). Smaller quantities of cocaine (89 grams), heroin (1.22 grams), and painkillers such as Buprenorphine (34.15 grams) and Tilidin (23.52 grams) were also confiscated. Additionally, 10.40 grams of amphetamines were discovered.

Synthetic cannabinoids were found most frequently (1,826.57 grams).

— Senate Department for JusticeThe department detailed the types of drugs most commonly found.

It remains unclear whether the fluctuating numbers indicate an increase in drug smuggling into prisons or if enhanced search efforts and improved detection methods are leading to more successful seizures. Alongside drugs, prison officials regularly find contraband items including mobile phones, charging cables, SIM cards, e-cigarettes, hookahs, tattooing devices, and stabbing tools.

In the entire year 2025, more than 11.3 kilograms of drugs were seized in Berlin prisons.

— Senate Department for JusticeThe department provided comparative data on drug seizures from the previous year.

The report also highlighted a rise in assaults on prison staff, with 69 such attacks recorded in the past year, a notable increase from 45 the previous year. Violence among inmates remained relatively stable, with 281 recorded cases, similar to the 282 cases in 2024. Berlin's prison system comprises seven correctional facilities and one juvenile detention center across 13 locations, with a total capacity of 4,175 inmates. Last year, the city's prisons held nearly 8,670 individuals, employing approximately 2,770 staff members.

In the past year, the Justice Department recorded 69 attacks by prisoners on staff.

— Senate Department for JusticeThe department reported an increase in assaults on prison employees.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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