site.bta177,000 Illegal Cigarettes Seized in 17 Checks at Border with Serbia

Bulgarian Customs and Border Police officers seized 176,880 illegal cigarettes in 17 checks conducted at the Kalotina crossing on the border with Serbia, the Customs Agency said on Monday.

The biggest haul so far this year was over 120,000 cigarettes (8,844 packs) with a North Macedonia excise revenue stamp and a duty-free stamp. They were found during an inspection of a cargo van travelling from Serbia to Bulgaria.

During the thorough inspection, the officers found a wooden cavity amid layers of goods, and saw cigarettes hidden in the cavity. A large amount of tobacco products was also found beneath a dining table in the van.