Bus Drivers Tried to Smuggle Cigarettes and Diabetes Medications Into Poland

Bus drivers operating the Minsk–Warsaw route were detained at the Bobrowniki border crossing on the Belarusian-Polish border. They attempted to bring cigarettes and pharmaceutical products into Poland, the Tax Administration Chamber in Białystok reported.

During an inspection of the bus, Polish customs officers discovered 50 ampoules of growth hormone, 20 packages of medications used to treat diabetes and obesity, and 40 packs of cigarettes. The items were hidden inside the dashboard, beneath the ceiling lining and in the driver’s seat. The value of the seized goods is estimated at nearly 36,000 zlotys (about $9,800).

A 38-year-old bus driver admitted responsibility for smuggling the medications. Criminal tax proceedings have been initiated against him. He also faces criminal liability for illegally importing pharmaceutical products into Poland.

The second driver, a 58-year-old man, admitted to smuggling cigarettes. He was fined 800 zlotys (about $217).