140 M Packs of Illicit Cigarettes Are Sold in Bulgaria Each Year

An average of 140 M packs of contraband cigarettes are being sold each year in Bulgaria, shows a survey of the Centre for Studying of Democracy, quoted by News.bg.

The “sector” employs 15 000 people and brings losses of between BGN 400 and 500 M to the state budget.

Compared to 2012, the consumption of illicit cigarettes in Bulgaria rose by 15.3% and in Q2 2014 reached a market share of 20%, according to the data of an independent marketing agency.

Meanwhile, five large tobacco companies, the Customs Agency and the Interior Ministry, launched a campaign against the illegal cigarettes trade in Bulgaria. It will explain that that the consumption of contraband smokes supports organised crime.