site.btaCustoms Agency Seizes 1.3 Mln Cigarettes in International Operation

In November 2024 the Bulgarian Customs Agency took part in the international operation JAD Finestra 4 of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency FRONTEX, which focused on priority measures to counter illegal trafficking, production and trade of tobacco products, the agency said on Friday.

Twelve European countries took part in the initiative to combat the smuggling of excise goods, with the support of Europol, EUBAM, Interpol, and SELEC.

The international operation successfully prevented and detected cases of smuggling of tobacco products and alcohol, and illegal migration. Additionally, criminal activities such as drug trafficking, firearms and the use of forged documents were prevented.

The Customs Agency organized enhanced controls, with more than 1.3 million cigarettes seized at the country's external and internal borders in breach of customs and excise legislation during the international operation JAD Finestra 4. Additionally, two truck inspections prevented the trafficking of over 300 kg of marijuana into the interior of the country.

International Operation JAD Finestra 4 is an activity of the operational action plan of the European Multidisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) programme against organized international criminal groups affecting the member states of the European Union. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, as well as international partners, focusing on the European Union's common crime priorities.

In total, over 20 million cigarettes, over 20,000 litres of alcohol, over 300 kg of high-risk narcotic marijuana, and 1,470 illegal border crossings and 24 cases of forged documents were seized or prevented by the countries participating in the international operation.

Innovative methods of smuggling cigarettes by balloons from Belarus to the EU were uncovered. Equipped with GPS systems, they can carry up to 10,000 cigarettes, ascend up to 3,000 m and travel up to 700 km. During the international operation, 14 of them were identified and detained.