The sixth joint operation against smuggling of excisable goods, which was carried out by the Ministry of Finance (with the participation of the National Revenue Agency and the Customs Agency) in cooperation with Ministry of Interior Chief Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, ended. The Crown Agents assisted with planning and implementation of the exercise.

The results show that the number of attempts for smuggling of excisable goods through the “Kalotina” border crossing has increased.

The Mobile Assurance Teams of the BCA and teams of the National Revenue Agency made round-the-clock examinations of the people and vehicles crossing the border through the “Kalotina” border checkpoint and invigilated the duty-free shops there.

Violations of the customs regime were detected in 40.92% of the challenges of travellers. Compared to the previous exercise at this border checkpoint in March 2006, when the hit rate was 34.29%, the data shows that the number of attempts for smuggling of excisable goods through the “Kalotina” border crossing has increased. A total of 202 220 pieces of cigarettes were confiscated.

During the week, when the operation was carried out, the average turnover of the 7 duty-free shops at the “Kalotina” border checkpoint has decreased by around 20% compared to the figures for the last one month. The sales of the three premises located on the inward lane of the border crossing have decreased by 18.85%. The average turnover of the four duty-free shops at the outward lane has decreased by 20.44%.

Press Centre
Bulgarian Ministry of Finance