Illicit trade one-fifth of Bulgarian market

Every fifth cigarette in Bulgaria is illicit, according to a Novinite story quoting a survey commissioned by World Concern, a Christian-based global relief and development organization.

Novinite attributed the high level of illicit trade to excise duties that double the price of cigarettes.

However, it quoted the BVT channel as having reported that Bulgaria suffered “losses” of nearly BGN500 million due to the “unpaid excise duty” on tobacco products.

The authorities have reported positive results in the fight against contraband, however. During 2013 alone, customs agents seized 44 million cigarettes and nearly 0.250 tonnes of tobacco.

Nevertheless, according to data obtained by BVT from various nongovernmental organizations, cigarette smugglers in Bulgaria make more money than drug dealers make.