More than 60 Bulgarian customs officers have undergone training with UK specialists. This was announced during a demonstration of technical equipment for checking cargo and vehicles, provided to the Customs Agency. The demonstration at Vasil Levski Airport in Sofia was part of the program of the visit of the UK Minister for European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, who arrived in the country today, the Customs Agency reported. 

The event highlights the active partnership with the UK Embassy in Sofia and UK institutions, which has led to positive results for both sides, such as the exchange of experience, the training of Bulgarian customs officers in the UK, new equipment that customs officers are already working with, as well as successes in the fight against smuggling of boats that are used to illegally transport migrants across the English Channel.

Over the past two years, Bulgarian customs officers have undergone container, mail and vehicle inspection courses, as well as other specialized trainings in the UK and in Bulgaria. Three experience exchange missions have also been conducted, during which UK officers worked together with Bulgarian customs officers at the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint.

Among the valuable acquisitions for the Customs Agency is the 5-year-old dog Adele. In addition to drugs, she has been trained to sniff out rubber for small boats, as well as hidden currency.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photo: customs.bg