Customs officers at Burgas port, Bulgaria, detected over 40 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a banana shipment from Ecuador. The cocaine, with an estimated value of 19 million leva, was found during a detailed customs inspection of the sea container.
Recently, two vessels carrying banana containers from South America docked at the port, with Bulgarian companies as recipients. These companies, primarily engaged in the banana trade, have all containers subjected to comprehensive inspections, including X-ray scans and physical checks.
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During a routine scan of one Ecuadorian banana container using specialized X-ray equipment, customs officers identified an unusual density within the refrigeration unit's natural cavities. This finding led to a more thorough physical inspection by the Customs Agency's "Fighting Drug Trafficking" department, in coordination with the Border Police. Upon dismantling the unit's covers, officers uncovered 35 taped packages containing a white crystalline substance. Initial drug tests confirmed the substance as high-purity cocaine, totaling 40,802 grams.
A pre-trial investigation is underway, led by an investigating customs inspector and directed by the Burgas District Prosecutor's Office. This inspection is part of ongoing efforts between the Customs Agency and the Border Police to enhance security at Bulgaria's external borders.
Source: Novinite