Drug offences & airport cases

Drug offence lawyer in Germany – arrested with drugs at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe’s largest hubs. Every year, people are arrested here on suspicion of importing or exporting narcotics. If you or a relative have been caught with drugs at Frankfurt Airport or elsewhere in Germany, you need fast and discreet legal assistance.

As a specialised criminal defence boutique we represent foreign nationals, tourists and expats in all types of narcotics cases – from possession of small quantities to serious trafficking allegations.

Arrested with drugs at Frankfurt Airport or in transit through Germany

Typical constellations at the airport and on international routes include:

  • 🟢 Bodypackers and “swallowers” on long-haul flights.
  • 🔵 Transit passengers who never intended to enter Germany but are arrested during a stopover.
  • 🟣 Luggage searches revealing drugs in suitcases or hand luggage.
  • 🟡 Parcels and freight shipments intercepted by customs.

In many cases, pre-trial detention is ordered – especially if the alleged amount of drugs is large or if there is a risk that the accused will leave Germany. On our detailed page Pre-trial detention in Germany we explain the legal framework and your rights in detention.

Typical narcotics allegations under German law

German narcotics law distinguishes between various offences, for example:

  • 🟢 Possession of narcotics (for personal use or beyond).
  • 🔵 Acquisition and supply of drugs.
  • 🟣 Import and export of narcotics, including via Frankfurt Airport.
  • 🟡 Trafficking, dealing and acting as a courier.

The severity of the penalty depends on the type of drug, the quantity and the concrete role attributed to you. Our legal dictionary article Narcotics and drug offences provides an in-depth overview of the legal situation.

Consequences for foreign nationals

For foreign nationals, drug proceedings in Germany have additional dimensions:

  • 🟢 The risk of pre-trial detention far from home.
  • 🔵 Possible travel bans and entry restrictions.
  • 🟣 Effects on existing or planned visas and residence permits.
  • 🟡 Consequences for professional licences and security checks.

We explain in clear English what you can realistically expect and develop a defence strategy that takes account of both the criminal case in Germany and your situation in your home country. Where appropriate, we cooperate with colleagues abroad.

How we defend you in narcotics and trafficking cases

Defence in drug cases requires a precise understanding of the facts and the evidence. Our work typically includes:

  • 🟢 Analysis of the arrest situation, customs reports and witness statements.
  • 🔵 Examination of whether searches and seizures were lawful.
  • 🟣 Review of laboratory reports and alleged quantities.
  • 🟡 Assessment of whether your role was that of a courier, a minor participant or whether you were possibly used by others.

In appropriate cases, we explore options for reducing penalties, suspended sentences or early release from detention. We always coordinate with you and, if desired, with your family.

Overlap with extradition, detention and asset seizure

In serious narcotics cases there is often an overlap with other areas of criminal law:

Our team covers these interfaces comprehensively and coordinates all defence steps so that your rights are protected in every respect.

Contact our English-speaking drug offence lawyers in Frankfurt

If you or a relative have been arrested with drugs at Frankfurt Airport or anywhere in Germany, you should not make any statements without legal advice. Contact us as early as possible so that we can act from the beginning of the investigation.

You can reach our law firm in Frankfurt by phone at +49 69 710 33 330 or by e-mail at kanzlei@dr-buchert.de. Further general information on criminal proceedings in Germany can be found on Criminal defence in Frankfurt and German criminal procedure.

FAQ – Drug Offences & Airport Cases

What should I do if I am arrested with drugs at Frankfurt Airport?

You should not make any statements about the origin or intended destination of the drugs and should not sign documents you do not fully understand. Ask to contact an English-speaking criminal defence lawyer. We can reach you in detention, obtain the file and explain what the authorities are accusing you of and what options you have.

Will I automatically go to prison for a drug offence in Germany?

Not automatically. The outcome depends on the type and quantity of the drug, your role in the alleged offence, your previous record and whether there are mitigating factors. In some cases, suspended sentences or milder sanctions are possible. In serious trafficking cases, however, courts often impose significant prison sentences. We work to achieve the best possible outcome in your specific situation.

What is the difference between possession and trafficking or acting as a courier?

Simple possession covers drugs held for personal use. Trafficking, import or export usually involve moving drugs for others or for profit. Acting as a courier can still be treated as trafficking and may carry higher penalties, even if you did not organise the whole operation. We analyse your alleged role and argue for the most favourable classification.

Can I be released on bail in a German drug case?

In serious narcotics cases, German courts often order pre-trial detention, especially for foreign nationals. In some circumstances, release under conditions – for example bail, surrender of passport or reporting duties – can be achieved. Whether this is realistic depends on your ties to Germany, the amount of drugs and your personal circumstances. We examine all options and submit the appropriate applications.

What happens if I was only in transit and never planned to enter Germany?

Even if you only changed planes in Frankfurt or passed through Germany in transit, German authorities can investigate and prosecute drug offences committed on German territory or in German airspace. This also applies to bodypackers. We explain which country has jurisdiction and what that means for the further procedure.

Will a drug conviction in Germany appear on my record at home?

Germany keeps its own criminal record. Whether and how information is transmitted to your home country depends on international agreements and national law. In some states, serious foreign convictions must be reported and can appear in background checks. We can discuss these risks with you and, where helpful, involve colleagues in your home jurisdiction.

Will I get an interpreter during questioning and in court?

Yes. If you do not sufficiently understand German, you are entitled to an interpreter for questioning and court hearings. This is important so that you understand the allegations and can effectively defend yourself. We make sure that interpretation is provided and that you can follow all essential steps.

Can I simply leave Germany and ignore the proceedings?

This is very risky. If you leave Germany while a serious drug investigation is pending, authorities may issue an arrest warrant or seek your extradition later. In some situations we can arrange for you to be represented by us without you being physically present, but this must be agreed with the court. We will always explain the consequences before any decision is taken.

Your lawyers:

  • 🟣 Dr. Caroline Jacob, Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law
  • 🔵 Frank M. Peter, Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law
  • 🔴 Prof. Dr. Frank Peter Schuster, Of Counsel
  • 🟢 Tax advisor and former tax investigator Frank Wehrheim, cooperation partner

Our law firm Buchert Jacob Peter has been defending clients in serious criminal and narcotics cases in Frankfurt am Main and throughout Germany for more than 25 years.

📞 Telephone: +49 69 710 33 330
✉️ E-mail: kanzlei@dr-buchert.de