National Customs Agency

A total of 1701 boxes containing anabolic steroids have been seized by customs officers from TD Customs Sofia during checks of shipments over the past week. They were intended for recipients in Israel, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands, and other EU countries. The seized medications are valued at over 200 000 BGN.

On July 25, 2025, customs officers from the "Customs Intelligence and Investigation" department at TD Customs Sofia selected several shipments declared as office supplies, intended for export to third countries, for inspection and subsequent X-ray control based on conducted surveillance and risk analysis. During the inspection, it was established that the shipments contained 10,800 tablets of the substances "Proviron" and "Oxandrolone", as well as 6,330 ampoules containing the substances "Testosterone enanthate", "Nandrolone Decanoate", and "Boldenone undecylenate", for which an attempt was made to smuggle them out. Customs officers confiscated the goods, and an administrative penalty procedure has been initiated regarding the case.

The second case of the seizure of anabolic steroids dates back to July 28, 2025. Inspections were carried out on shipments again declared as office materials for recipients in other EU countries. A total of 5,640 vials containing various preparations from the anabolic group were found. The goods were intended for illegal sale in fitness clubs in EU countries. The cases have been reported to the  Bulgarian Drug Agency and the Ministry of Interior.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that mimic the action of male hormones. Apart from their use under medical prescription for various diseases, they are unlawfully used by individuals who wish to enhance their performance in fitness training and quickly shape their bodies. Unsanctioned use of anabolic steroids without medical reasons and supervision from a doctor can lead to several serious side effects such as liver and kidney damage, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, depression, unexplained aggression, and others.

The image is illustrative and generated for the purposes of the Customs Agency.