The fourth joint operation against smuggling of excisable goods, conducted at the “Kapitan Andreevo” and the “Kalotina” border checkpoints, ended. The operation was carried out during the week commencing 20th of March 2006 by the Ministry of Finance (Bulgarian Customs Agency and the National Revenue Agency) in cooperation with the National Service for Combating Organised Crime. The Crown Agents assisted with planning and implementation of the exercise.

The main aim of the operation was to reduce smuggling of excisable goods from the duty-free shops at the border checkpoints by examinations of people crossing the border, aimed at confiscation of illegally imported cigarettes, and constant invigilation of the duty-free shops. The Mobile Assurance Teams of the BCA and teams of the National Revenue Agency made round-the-clock examinations and invigilated the duty-free shops at the border crossings.

“Kalotina” Border Checkpoint
Violations of the customs regime were detected in 34.29% of the challenges made at the “Kalotina” border checkpoint. A total of 80 100 pieces of cigarettes were confiscated. The turnover of the duty-free shops at “Kalotina”, during the exercise while they were under invigilation, decreased significantly compared to the average figures for the last one month. The average turnover of the three premises located on the inward lane of the border crossing dropped by 51.81%.This decrease is the largest among those registered during all of the three previous joint operations.

“Kapitan Andreevo” Border Checkpoint
Violations of the customs regime were detected in 51.88% of the challenges made at the “Kapitan Andreevo” border checkpoint. A total of 282 280 pieces of cigarettes were confiscated. During the week, when the operation was carried out, the turnover of almost all of the duty-free shops at “Kapitan Andreevo” increased significantly compared to the average figures for the last one month. The average sales of the three premises located on the inward lane of the border crossing increased by 44.80%.

Press Centre
Bulgarian Ministry of Finance