Customs officials detained a total of 65,320 cases (3,266 cans) and 45 liters of alcohol during various checks along the northern border of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The hidden excise goods were found within the framework of the anti-smuggling operation of mixed teams from the “Customs“ Agency, the Directorate General of Border Police, the Directorate General of Fight against Organized Crime. and National Revenue Agency.
21,520 cigarettes (1,076 packs) with valid Bulgarian labels were seized by the officers from the "Combating Drug Trafficking" department in Ruse during an inspection of a cargo van in the area of the Danube Bridge near Ruse. The cigarettes were hidden in two additional cavities – caches, in the lower part of the vehicle. 7 metal covers were found on the floor of the bus, which were used to access the caches.
In another similar case, an attempt to transport 9,600 cigarettes (480 packs) and 45 liters of alcohol hidden among regularly transported goods was intercepted.
Cigarettes from both cases and alcohol were confiscated, the drivers – Bulgarian citizens, a total of three acts were drawn up to establish administrative violations.
Employees from the “Combating Drug Trafficking“-Lom department found 20,200 pieces (1,010 boxes) of cigarettes without a Bulgarian excise label, hidden in a cabinet wrapped in foil. In the area of the Danube bridge near Vidin, a Turkish truck was stopped for inspection, which was transporting group goods, mainly furniture, mattresses, sofas and sofas. A thorough customs inspection, including an X-ray scan, was carried out, thanks to which the hidden excise goods were detected. The cigarettes were confiscated, the driver's – Turkish citizen is a composite act.
At the Oryahovo border crossing - ferry officers from the “Customs Intelligence and Investigation“ found 14,000 pieces (700 packs) of cigarettes without Bulgarian labels. The contraband cigarettes were hidden among regularly transported foodstuffs. The cigarettes were confiscated. The driver of the truck was arrested. Pre-trial proceedings have been initiated on the case.
The joint anti-smuggling operation continues at various border points.