Customs officers at the Kalotina Border Crossing detected 288 kg of contraband hookah tobacco hidden in a cargo vehicle. The officers seized 1,440 packages found in a Bulgarian-registered truck arriving from Serbia.
On July 20, 2025, a cargo vehicle driven by a Bulgarian citizen, identified as A.C., arrived at the Kalotina Border Crossing. The driver declared that he was transporting plastic sheets and did not mention any other goods. However, customs officers noticed a discrepancy between the declared and actual weight of the cargo.
Using specialized X-ray equipment, the customs officers identified suspicious areas in the cargo hold. Upon physical inspection, they discovered 60 cartons containing a total of 1,440 boxes of hookah tobacco from various brands, all of which lacked excise stamps. The total amount of seized contraband hookah tobacco was 288 kg.
An investigation has been initiated by the Sofia Customs Directorate, with the case being overseen by the Sofia Regional Prosecutor’s Office. Sufficient evidence has been gathered to charge A.C., 44, with the offense. He has been arrested for 72 hours.
The Sofia Regional Prosecutor’s Office is expected to file a request in court for the defendant’s detention under the measure of “custody.”
Source: Customs Agency
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