Bus used in refrigerant smuggling attempt
26th 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.
The bus “with a foreign registration” was intercepted by the GDBOP, Bulgaria’s general directorate combating organised crime, earlier this month in Haskovo.
Amongst the undeclared cargo was reported to be 298 cylinders of refrigerant, cartons of cigarettes, and a tonne of different pesticides in 2,500 bottles and packages.
The identity of the refrigerant has not been revealed, neither has the country of origin of the bus. Haskovo is in southern Bulgaria, not far from the borders with Greece and Turkey.
Two men were detained along with the transported goods. Two more individuals thought to be complicit with the illegal activity were detained later. Pre-trial proceedings have been initiated.
