Large-scale attempt to smuggle cigarettes discovered at the border

On June 21, 2025, employees from the Customs Agency carried out a successful operation to uncover a large-scale smuggling scheme. A truck with foreign registration, driven by a Turkish citizen, arrived at the Lesovo entry route with a declaration for transit transportation of furniture and construction materials.

The driver initially stated that he had no additional goods to declare. However, the customs service experts applied an in-depth risk analysis and selected the vehicle for a thorough inspection.

Using specialized X-ray equipment, the inspectors noticed suspicious areas with atypical density in the declared cargo. During the subsequent physical check, they discovered a masterfully crafted hiding place inside a plasterboard pallet.

As a result of precise work, a total of 5,000 boxes of cigarettes were seized – exactly 100,000 pieces, equipped with Turkish excise stamps. An official document for administrative violation was immediately drawn up against the driver, and the case was handed over to the respective competent authorities.

This incident demonstrates the exceptional vigilance and professionalism of Bulgarian border officials in countering smuggling attempts.