Bulgarian customs seize 1,600 liters of unverified alcohol

Customs officials in Bulgaria seized 1,606 liters of high-proof alcohol of unverified origin and quality during inspections in the Varna and Shumen regions between October 14 and 17.

In one instance, mobile teams discovered 431 liters of brandy labeled as apricot, grape, and plum varieties at a tourist complex. The alcohol was stored in plastic water containers behind a restaurant bar and in a warehouse, while the establishment’s menu offered it as ‘homemade rakiya.’

A second inspection of two private properties led to the discovery of 1,175 liters of alcohol belonging to an individual. During the operation, the individual sold unbranded brandy to the inspection team. Authorities also found distillation equipment and numerous empty plastic containers on the premises. The investigation into these cases is ongoing, and administrative violations regarding fiscal devices were also noted.

The Customs Agency reported that since the beginning of the year, officials have conducted over 1,000 inspections related to alcohol products, accounting for approximately one-third of all inspections under the Excise and Tax Warehouses Act. In roughly 20% of these cases, alcohol of unknown origin was identified.