Bulgarian customs seize nearly 6000 illegal e-cigarettes in Sofia

Apr.24

Bulgarian customs seize nearly 6000 illegal e-cigarettes in Sofia, largest single bust discovered during nationwide crackdown.

Key Highlights

1.The Sofia customs in Bulgaria seized nearly 6000 illegal e-cigarettes.

2.The quantity seized is the largest batch found in a single inspection.

3.Since the beginning of the year, over 27,000 e-cigarette devices have been seized.

According to reports from Bulgarian media, on April 16, 2025, customs officials in Sofia discovered nearly 6000 illegal e-cigarettes during a freight inspection. This seizure is the largest quantity ever found in a single inspection.

The customs operation was carried out in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, by employees of the "Excise Tax Operation Control" and "Customs Intelligence and Investigations" departments. Upon inspection, it was discovered that many e-cigarette boxes sealed by factories were being prepared for distribution by individuals nationwide. A total of 5989 smuggled e-cigarettes were seized in this operation, each containing 20 milliliters and containing 50 milligrams per milliliter of nicotine.

Customs officials found the largest quantity of e-cigarettes during a single inspection, and the Sofia Regional Prosecutor's Office has been informed of the case.

During the period from January 1 to March 31, 2025, customs officials at the Sofia Customs Office seized over 27,000 e-cigarettes after inspections. A total of 10 preliminary investigations have been initiated for violations under Article 234 of the Criminal Code, as well as 6 administrative criminal cases.

References:

[1] Nearly 6,000 contraband "vape" cigarettes were discovered

Also Read:

[1] Massive e-cigarette seizure by Turkish customs in truck carriage

[2] Brazilian police intercept smuggled electronics, driver arrested, goods seized

[3] The Threat of Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Denbighshire, UK

[4] Ukrainian Police Bust Network Smuggling Illegal E-cigarettes on Telegram

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