# Global illicit alcohol enforcement actions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-illicit-alcohol-enforcement-actions
> Updated: 2026-10-18T08:16:01.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Uganda and Bulgaria have conducted enforcement operations to seize unverified and substandard alcoholic products.

In Kampala, Uganda, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) seized 17,770 litres of illicit alcohol, along with 8,500 litres of unlabelled neutral spirit and 600 bottles of uncertified gin. The operation, prompted by consumer complaints, targeted various stores in the Nakulabye and Kiwunya suburbs to remove dangerous, non-compliant products from the market.

In Bulgaria, customs officials seized 1,606 litres of high-proof alcohol of unverified origin and quality in the Varna and Shumen regions. Inspections revealed alcohol stored in plastic containers at a tourist complex being sold as ‘homemade rakiya’, as well as unbranded brandy and distillation equipment at private properties. The Bulgarian Customs Agency noted that alcohol of unknown origin has been identified in approximately 20% of their alcohol-related inspections this year.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Bulgarian customs seize 1,600 liters of unverified alcohol

Bulgarian customs officials seized over 1,600 liters of unverified alcohol during inspections in Varna and Shumen, uncovering illegal production and sales at a restaurant and private properties.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-customs-seize-1600-liters-of-unverified-alcohol

### 2026-09-28: UNBS seizes 17,770 litres of illicit alcohol in Kampala

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards seized over 17,000 litres of illicit alcohol and thousands of litres of unlabelled spirits during a surveillance operation in Kampala.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unbs-seizes-17770-litres-of-illicit-alcohol-in-kampala

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Cite as: Global illicit alcohol enforcement actions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-illicit-alcohol-enforcement-actions
