In 2024, the "Kapitan Andreevo" border crossing reported record cargo traffic and excellent results in the fight against drug trafficking, smuggling and violation of intellectual property rights, bTV reported.
1,013,651 trucks passed through during the year, and traffic continues to grow.
Based on these data, preparations have already begun for a complete reconstruction of the border crossing, which is expected to be completed by 2026. The renovation will include new routes, buildings, storage facilities, as well as modern facilities and X-ray platforms for more effective inspection.
As for countering customs and excise violations, in 2024, customs officers drew up 4,274 acts, which is 25% more than in 2023.
Significant amounts of contraband goods were seized, such as 23,726,940 pieces of cigarettes and 448 kg of smoking tobacco, including for hookahs.
The strongest results are in the fight against drug trafficking.
In 2024, 50 cases of drug trafficking were prevented, with 1,023 kg of drugs seized – the largest amount in the last 20 years.
Among the seized substances were 420 kg of heroin, 514 kg of marijuana, 69 kg of cocaine and 88,000 pseudoephedrine tablets.
During customs checks, significant amounts of undeclared money were also found.
The largest discovery was made in August, when $939,800 was found hidden in the seats of the vehicle on a bus traveling to Turkey.
In 2024, 198 kg of gold and silver items were also found hidden in the compartments of cars and buses. The largest amount of gold weighed 125 kg and was worth over 10 million leva.
Customs officers also actively fought counterfeit goods.
1,255,115 items were seized, including clothing, perfumes, sports shoes, as well as counterfeit cleaning products and shampoos.
The border crossing point was also actively involved in wildlife conservation, with 240 tarantulas and 100 tiger geckos hidden in a truck being seized.
These results highlight the high efficiency of customs officers at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing point in combating illegal trafficking and smuggling.