Bulgaria Seizes Record 125kg of Gold at Border
Authorities in Bulgaria have intercepted a historic 125 kg of gold at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint on the border with Turkey. The haul, valued at €5 million, consisted of undeclared gold castings, jewelry, bars, coins, and other gold items.
The collaborative effort involved Kapitan Andreevo Customs, the State Agency for National Security, and the Border Police, showcasing the country’s commitment to combatting illegal activities.
Insight into Smuggling Ring
According to Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov, information about the smuggling ring had been obtained several months prior to the seizure. The gold was being trafficked from Europe through Bulgaria to Turkey, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in tackling such criminal enterprises.
During a detailed customs inspection, officials found the contraband hidden in a vehicle bound for Turkey. The discovery of the gold items, concealed in the car’s airbag compartment under the dashboard cover, underscored the perpetrators’ elaborate smuggling tactics.
Efforts to Curb Illegal Activities
Georgi Dimov, director of the Customs Agency, emphasized the thorough 13-hour inspection that led to the confiscation of the largest quantity of smuggled gold on record at the Bulgarian border. This successful operation reflects Bulgaria’s ongoing efforts to crackdown on smuggling activities, particularly in light of its position on a prominent drug route from the Middle East to Western Europe.
