Kapitan Andreevo, Bulgaria – Bulgarian customs officials have seized nearly 100 kilograms of drugs, a substantial amount of undeclared currency, and a large quantity of smuggled goods during a specialized customs operation named “Regul.”
The operation, conducted at the “Kapitan Andreevo” checkpoint from November 11, 2024, to December 31, 2024, resulted in the confiscation of illicit substances, valuable items, and significant sums of money.
According to official reports, the total weight of the narcotics discovered reached 98,370 grams. The haul included 55,190 grams of marijuana, 24,770 grams of cocaine, and 18,410 grams of methamphetamine.
In addition to the drugs, authorities uncovered undeclared foreign currency amounting to 190,330 euros and 50,000 US dollars, collectively valued at 465,414 Bulgarian leva.
The operation also led to the seizure of 31,140 grams of silverware and over 200,000 contraband eyeglasses and frames, alongside nearly 3,000 eyeglass cases. These items were found concealed within shipments passing through the checkpoint, a key border crossing between Bulgaria and Turkey.
Fifteen pre-trial proceedings have been initiated in connection with the smuggling attempts. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the individuals involved or potential links to organized crime networks. However, officials noted that the large-scale seizures mark a significant shift in enforcement efficiency.
Customs officers credited the success of Operation “Regul” to enhanced operational analysis and rigorous on-site assessments. Unlike previous years, when intelligence-based risk profiles were the primary tool for identifying suspicious cargo, this operation relied heavily on random checks and thorough inspections.
This strategic shift appears to have yielded significant results, as no narcotics seizures over 1 kilogram were recorded at the same checkpoint in the previous year.
“This operation underscores the effectiveness of intensified customs inspections and the vigilance of our officers,” a customs spokesperson stated. “We are witnessing a sharp increase in both the volume of narcotics being smuggled and the range of illicit goods attempting to enter the country.”
The “Kapitan Andreevo” checkpoint has long been a critical transit point for trade and travel between Bulgaria and Turkey, making it a strategic target for smugglers.
In recent years, authorities have ramped up efforts to combat illicit trafficking, employing advanced scanning technology and canine units to detect hidden contraband.
The latest operation reflects the evolving tactics of both smugglers and enforcement agencies in their ongoing cat-and-mouse struggle.
With the successful conclusion of Operation “Regul,” Bulgarian customs authorities are expected to maintain heightened vigilance at border checkpoints.
Officials have pledged to continue implementing advanced security measures and to collaborate closely with international law enforcement agencies to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the region.
As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to ensuring that Bulgaria’s borders remain secure from illegal trafficking activities. The substantial seizures of drugs, currency, and smuggled goods in this operation signal a firm stance against criminal enterprises attempting to exploit the country’s border crossings.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members