Sofia customs officers conducted an unprecedented operation to detain imports of extremely high-risk medical products that pose serious health threats to consumers. During a large-scale inspection, a total of 1,224 packages of potentially dangerous medications from East Asia were identified.
In an initial analysis, experts found that eight parcels from Vietnam, declared as clothing and cosmetics, actually contain 600 packages of botulinum toxin type A with 100 units and 80 boxes of cream containing 29.9% lidocaine. Additionally, 300 more boxes of toxin and two specimens with 200 units were discovered, which were presented as samples and glass vials.
Simultaneously, in another shipment of Korean origin, labeled as cosmetic collagen, 13 packages of lidocaine were registered, which is banned in the European Union, 11 fillers with chemical impurities, and 34 packages of botulinum toxin. An important clarification is that the latter are only allowed for sale in Bulgaria with a medical prescription.
Customs officers documented serious violations in the transportation of medical products. It was established that a large part of the shipments do not meet the necessary temperature regimes and sanitary requirements, which further increases the risk of product compromise.
On July 7, another 45 boxes of medical preparations were seized, including 15 containing alpha-lipoic acid, three with human placenta hydrolysate, and 26 boxes of vitamins and antioxidants. All these products have an unconfirmed origin and represent a potential health threat.
The investigation covers the period from May 14 to July 7, with 15 different parcels checked. Most of the goods are defined as contraband due to lack or inaccuracy in accompanying documentation. The Executive Agency for Medicines officially confirmed that none of the detained products have a usage permit in Bulgaria.
Indicative is the case from the beginning of the year when 12 women were admitted to Pirogov Hospital with complications after improper application of botulinum toxin, which further emphasizes the danger of unregulated import of such medical means.
Administrative penalty proceedings are pending under the Customs Act, and the investigation continues in full force.