In a significant operation aimed at curbing smuggling, customs officers at the Lesovo customs point intercepted 280,000 pieces of contraband cigarettes concealed within a truck.
The bust, carried out on September 16, was part of a coordinated anti-smuggling operation involving multiple agencies, including the Customs Agency, DG Border Police, DG Combating Organized Crime, and the National Revenue Agency.
The operation unfolded when a truck with foreign registration, driven by a Romanian national identified by the initials R.B., arrived at the Lesovo border on its inbound journey into Bulgaria.
The driver presented documents claiming that he was transporting plastic products — boxes and lids — in transit from Turkey to Germany. He further declared that there was nothing else aboard the vehicle.
Customs officers, however, were not convinced by the initial inspection. Using specialized X-ray equipment, they detected suspicious areas in the cargo hold that displayed density inconsistent with the declared goods. This discrepancy prompted a more detailed physical inspection of the truck’s contents.
Upon closer examination, customs inspectors uncovered 17 plastic canisters filled with contraband cigarettes hidden among the declared plastic products.
A total of 280,000 cigarettes, or 14,000 packs, from various commercial brands were discovered, all bearing Turkish excise labels. The cigarettes, valued at nearly BGN 100,000, were not declared by the driver, constituting a clear violation of customs regulations.
This major seizure highlights the ongoing battle against organized smuggling at Bulgaria’s borders. The Lesovo border point, situated between Bulgaria and Turkey, remains a high-traffic route for both legitimate trade and illicit activities.
In recent years, authorities have stepped up efforts to clamp down on contraband goods, particularly cigarettes, which are often smuggled across borders to avoid taxes and excise duties.
The contraband cigarettes were confiscated, and the case has been referred to the District Prosecutor’s Office in Yambol for further legal action. A pre-trial proceeding has been initiated and is being conducted by an investigating customs inspector from the TD Mitnitsa Burgas.
Authorities underscored the importance of the joint operation in curbing illicit trade. The collaboration between various agencies, including the Customs Agency, Border Police, and the National Revenue Agency, was crucial in the success of this operation.
The use of advanced technology, such as X-ray scanning equipment, also played a key role in detecting the smuggled goods hidden among legitimate cargo.
This latest bust serves as a reminder of the financial losses that illegal cigarette trade inflicts on governments, depriving them of tax revenues while fueling black markets.
Bulgarian customs officials remain vigilant in their fight against smuggling, especially at key entry points like Lesovo, and are committed to using all available resources to prevent illicit goods from entering the country.
The Romanian driver has been detained, and investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the smuggling operation. Bulgarian authorities are also working closely with their Turkish and German counterparts to trace the origins and intended destination of the contraband.
As the case progresses, it is expected to serve as a warning to smugglers attempting to exploit Bulgaria’s borders for illegal activities.
The collaboration between the various government agencies continues to be a crucial element in ensuring the security of Bulgaria’s borders and the integrity of its customs enforcement.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members