Sofia Airport customs seize 77,000 smuggled cigarettes

Customs inspectors at Sofia Airport intercepted six passengers attempting to smuggle a large quantity of tobacco products destined for London. During a risk-based inspection of hand luggage on August 25, authorities discovered a total of 77,200 cigarettes of various brands and 5 kilograms of smoking tobacco.

Many of the cigarette packs were marked ‘For Duty Free Sale Only’. On average, each individual was carrying over 640 packs of cigarettes, which is 64 times the permitted limit and at least three times the allowed amount for loose tobacco under both Bulgarian and UK regulations. The Customs Agency noted that the significant price difference between tobacco products in Bulgaria and the United Kingdom is the primary motive for such smuggling attempts.

The seized items have been confiscated, and the individuals involved will face administrative penalties under the Customs Act. Authorities reminded travelers that excise goods may only be carried in quantities intended for personal use and must not have a ‘commercial character’.