Security officers at Sofia Airport foiled an attempt to smuggle 200 packets of cigarettes hidden in 3 sofa seats when they were attempting to be transported as checked baggage on a flight to London last night.

Yesterday at around 8:30 pm, while going through the X-ray equipment for checking oversized luggage, officers from the Security Directorate noticed a suspicious image. The National Customs Agency team at the airport was immediately notified, with customs officers finding 200 packs of a well-known brand of cigarettes in carefully packed sofa seats.

According to Sofia airport security officials, who receive periodic specialized training, such smuggling attempts are rare due to their almost certain detection. More often, cases are recorded of prohibited items that passengers try to board the aircraft.

The airport’s executive director, Jesus Caballero, has personally congratulated the officials who prevented the smuggling, the airport added.