Bulgarian Customs Agency reports surge in firearm and contraband seizures

The Bulgarian Customs Agency reported a significant increase in contraband seizures during the first nine months of 2026. Most notably, customs officials seized 479 firearms, a figure that is nine times higher than the total number of weapons seized throughout the entire year of 2025. Approximately 95% of these firearms, or 457 units, were intercepted between late May and September.

In addition to weapons, authorities seized 56.7 million illegal cigarettes from January to September, representing a 12% increase over the total seized in 2025. The agency also reported substantial seizures of gold in the form of jewelry and bullion, as well as various narcotics, including synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, synthetic opioids, ecstasy, and methamphetamine.

The Customs Agency has handled nearly 5,000 cases of customs, excise, and currency violations this year, resulting in 4,600 administrative proceedings and 260 pre-trial proceedings. Over 55% of these proceedings were initiated following the appointment of new leadership at the agency.