Bulgarian customs seize over 250,000 smuggled cigarettes near Vidin

Customs authorities in the Ruse region of Bulgaria carried out two coordinated raids that resulted in the seizure of more than 250,000 cigarettes concealed in transport trucks. In the first operation on July 22, a cargo headed for the Netherlands was inspected near Vidin, revealing 240,000 cigarettes packed in hidden boxes, valued at €45,650, with an avoided excise loss of €27,120. The driver was detained pending a non‑release measure.

A second raid a day earlier on the main E79 highway between Montana and Vidin used risk‑analysis profiling to stop a Turkish‑registered heavy‑goods vehicle, uncovering an additional 12,620 cigarettes worth €2,713, with €1,426 in excise tax evaded. The Turkish driver was also detained. Both cases are under investigation by the Vidin District Prosecutor’s Office, highlighting intensified customs control over transport corridors and the fight against illicit tobacco trade.