Border guards intercept more criminals but fewer illegal migrants
More criminals tried to reach Swiss soil but were sent back
Keystone
Developments in the Mediterranean region have reduced the number of people arriving in Switzerland without proper paperwork. However, more criminals and drugs were intercepted at the border in 2017.
This content was published on
1 minute
SDA-ATS/ac
العربية
ar
حرس الحدود يُوقفون عددا أكبر من المجرمين وأقل من المهاجرين
According to information released by the Federal Customs Administration on Thursday, border guards processed 27,300 illegal migrants in 2017 compared to 48,000 the year before. Events in the Mediterranean had a significant impact in the number of arrivals in Ticino and Valais, it said. Of those that arrived, 17,526 were returned to foreign authorities.
More criminals tried to reach Swiss soil, however. Border guards arrested a total of 25,777 people (22,104 in 2016), 9,295 of whom had arrest warrants against their name. Customs also seized 4,263 prohibited weapons, including 64 firearms.
When it came to narcotics, khat seizures increased almost sevenfold to 4,658 kg (compared with 674 kg in 2016). Seizures of hashish and marijuana also increased significantly to 1,626 kg (455 kg in 2016). However, quantities of pills such as LSD and ecstasy fell (36,339 against 63,070).
Illegal medicines seizures remained stable with 1,060 packages intercepted (1,028 the previous year). Viagra and other erectile enhancers remain at the top of the list, accounting for 59% of the illegal medical packages seized.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
This content was published on
The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
This content was published on
PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
This content was published on
The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
This content was published on
The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
This content was published on
Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
This content was published on
Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
This content was published on
Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
This content was published on
A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss customs pick up fewer fake watches
This content was published on
The number of counterfeit watches confiscated by Swiss customs officials has plummeted by around 80% since the beginning of the year.
This content was published on
Swiss officials seized 1,060 shipments of illegally imported medicines in 2017. There was an increase in illegal imports from Eastern Europe.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.