In September 2021, two men were sentenced for serious drug smuggling to prison for four years after being arrested in Luleå. The arrest was made possible through a collaboration between Customs in Malmö and the police, where amphetamines and cocaine were exchanged for flour and an ultraviolet tracer.
But getting criminals caught for weapons or drug offenses with traps set in the form of dummies or exchanged drugs has become more difficult after a guiding HD verdict last spring.
A number of acquittals against suspected criminals have resulted. Karin Markaberg, police commissioner in Norrbotten, thinks it is unfortunate.
– We will confiscate the items, but we will not be able to prosecute anyone for handling them, she says.
Investigate a change in the law
The police authority and the judiciary have expressed concern about how the HD verdict affects law enforcement. The government has therefore appointed an inquiry to review how the law can be changed.
– We will get proposals to change this after next summer and then I think we will meet the concerns of the law enforcement officers and can get through with effective tools, explains Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M).
Believe in solution
The head of the prosecution is confident that the law will be changed to bring the criminals to justice.
– This is a huge concern for law enforcement, but now the matter is in an investigation but the highest priority, so I am sure that a solution will eventually be found, says Attorney General Petra Lundh.