site.btaCustoms Officials Seize Almost 100 Kilograms of Narcotic Substances in November, December 2024

Customs officials seized almost 100 kilograms of narcotic substances and undeclared currency worth about BGN 500.000, as well as a large amount of contraband goods at the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint, said the Customs Agency press centre in Svilengrad (Southeast Bulgaria) on Friday.

The seizure was part of a specialized operation codenamed Regul, which was conducted from November 11, 2024 until the end of 2024. As part of the operation, a total of 55 kg of marijuana and 25 kg of cocaine were found, as well as EUR 190,000 and USD 50,000. A total of 31 kg of undeclared silver jewelry and over 210,000 prescription and sun glasses were seized as well.

In total, 15 pre-trial proceedings have been initiated.

The Customs Agency noted that the success of the operation is the result of the improved operational analysis and on-site assessment by customs officials, even in the absence of a risk profile or other risk information. The Agency pointed out that in the same period of 2023, not a single case of smuggling of narcotic substances in the amount of more than 1 kg was detected on the checkpoint.

Over a tonne of drugs were seized in 2024, while the discovered undeclared currency was equivalent to more than BGN 10 million. The confiscated contraband precious metals were nearly 200 kg, of which 125 kg was gold.