site.btaGreek Authorities Seize over 3,000 Bladed Weapons Declared as Sunglasses and Bound for Bulgaria

Greek customs authorities have seized 3,081 bladed weapons found in a container at the port of Thessaloniki. The shipment arrived from China and was destined for a company in Bulgaria, Greek media reported, citing information from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

According to the statement, the cargo was declared as sunglasses and beads. The container attracted customs officials' attention during a routine random inspection and was then subjected to further checks using a mobile X-ray system, the report said. A full inspection uncovered 24 boxes containing 1,900 daggers, 470 butterfly knives, 595 swords of various blade lengths, 110 metal knuckle-dusters and six curved karambit knives.

The items were seized after the competent prosecutor was notified and gave consent, as they fall under Greek weapons legislation, the statement said. AADE also said it was continuing enhanced inspections of cargo flows to combat illegal trade and protect public safety.

The Greek authorities' statement did not identify the Bulgarian company listed as the final recipient.