World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Bulgarian customs seize more refrigerant

BULGARIA: Authorities have seized a further 3 tonnes of undeclared refrigerant being carried in the luggage compartment of a minibus in Svilengrad, Haskovo province.

The refrigerant was found during an inspection of the minibus that entered the country from the Republic of Turkey through the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint.

The haul of 181 bottles of unspecified refrigerant, along with 930kg of chicken meat, were discovered during a special counter smuggling police operation carried out shortly after midnight on July 21-22.

The man driving the vehicle was detained for 24 hours and pre-trial proceedings have been initiated.

This latest seizure by officers of GDBOP, Bulgaria’s general directorate combating organised crime, follows a seizure earlier this month of 6 tonnes of undeclared refrigerant being carried in a bus.

Related stories:

Bus used in refrigerant smuggling attempt26 July 2025
BULGARIA: Authorities in Bulgaria have detained four people for attempting to smuggle nearly six tonnes of refrigerant and other goods in a bus. Read more…

Latest News

15th March 2026

Bringing multi-temp flexibility to chef’s drawers

UK: Williams’ chef’s drawers are now available as multi-temperature models, following the launch of the Jade MultiTemp range. 
15th March 2026

Ammonia system ensures Olympic performances

ITALY: Consistent ice quality for the bobsleigh and skeleton track at the recent Olympic Winter Games was provided by an innovative ammonia-based refrigeration system.
14th March 2026

Mitsubishi Electric goes on safari

UK: Mitsubishi Electric has extended its partnership with Chester Zoo by providing renewable heating to 51 guest lodges at the zoo’s Heart of Africa zone.
13th March 2026

Belgium to auction 14 tonnes of seized R134a

BELGIUM: Nearly 14 tonnes of confiscated R134a refrigerant is expected to raise over €62,000 in an auction being organised by the Belgian government finance agency. 
13th March 2026

Quinn Downes joins Syclef Group

FRANCE/IRELAND: The Dublin-based Quinn Downes Group (ODG) has become part of Syclef, the rapidly expanding network of industrial and commercial refrigeration and HVAC companies.
12th March 2026

Zanotti updates CUB condensing units for A2L refrigerants

UK: Hubbard Products has announced the launch, next month, of an updated Zanotti CUB condensing unit range engineered to support A2L refrigerants.