Customs Foiled Another Deceptive Smuggling Operation/ Cigarettes Secretly Distributed Among Travelers
Dresden Customs Office Uncovers Large-Scale Cigarette Smuggling Case
A tobacco smuggling operation was uncovered by the Dresden Main Customs Office in Germany on August 14, 2025. The incident took place on the A17 highway, where a Bulgarian tourist bus was stopped.
The bus, en route from Prague to Berlin, was subjected to a thorough inspection by customs officers. Using X-ray technology, they scrutinised the luggage of all passengers. An endoscope check, carried out on the bus, revealed a shocking discovery - 31 packs of cigarettes hidden under a ventilation cover above the seats.
In addition to these, several passengers were found to have identical black plastic bags containing four packs of cigarettes each. However, eight more black plastic bags, containing cigarettes not belonging to any of the passengers, were found in the luggage compartment.
The total number of cigarettes found on the bus now amounts to an astounding 12,501. Customs officers collected over €2,500 in unpaid taxes on the spot.
In a surprising turn of events, all passengers denied leaving any luggage on the bus, suggesting that the cigarettes may have been planted. The 49-year-old Bulgarian driver, who admitted to smuggling the cigarettes, has not been publicly identified due to a lack of information available in the search results.
The Dresden Main Customs Office Press Spokesperson, Heike Wilsdorf, can be reached at [email protected] or 0351-4644-1044 for further information. The official website for updates on the case is www.zoll.de.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time the bus has been involved in a smuggling attempt. A similar incident occurred in May 2025.
The seized cigarettes, valued at approximately €2,500, have been taken into the custody of the Dresden Main Customs Office. A tax evasion case has been opened against the driver.
This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by customs authorities to combat illicit activities and protect the revenue of the state. The public is encouraged to cooperate with customs officers and report any suspicious activities.
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