massive Smuggling Operation Uncovered at Lesovo Customs: Gold and Cigarettes Worth Over BGN 100,000 Seized
Customs officers at the Lesovo customs office made a startling discovery on February 1, 2025, uncovering a smuggling operation involving gold ornaments and cigarettes worth over BGN 100,000. The contraband was ingeniously hidden in a car with foreign registration, traveling from Turkey to Romania through Bulgaria.
The vehicle, carrying a family of Romanian citizens, arrived at the Lesovo customs checkpoint.During the routine inspection, the driver and his wife claimed thay had nothing to declare. However, a thorough search revealed a staggering haul of 2,600 pieces (130 boxes) of cigarettes concealed under the trunk.
But the surprises didn’t end there. inspectors also discovered 705.60 grams of gold products, including rings, bracelets, earrings, and medallions, hidden in the car’s gear lever console and a passenger’s personal bag. The combined value of the undeclared goods exceeded BGN 100,000, marking one of the most notable seizures at the border in recent months.
The smuggled goods have been detained, and pre-trial proceedings have been initiated by an investigative customs inspector. The case is now under the supervision of the Yambol District Prosecutor’s Office, which is working to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.
Key Details of the smuggling operation
| Item | Quantity | Value |
|————————-|———————–|——————–|
| Cigarettes | 2,600 pieces (130 boxes) | Undisclosed |
| Gold Ornaments | 705.60 grams | Over BGN 100,000 |
| Total Seized goods | - | Over BGN 100,000 |
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by customs officers in combating smuggling operations across borders. the use of sophisticated hiding techniques underscores the need for advanced inspection methods and international cooperation to tackle such crimes effectively.
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