Belarus: Brest Customs Finds Veterinary Drugs Hidden in Bus

On 6 October 2026, Brest customs officers at the Brest border crossing point uncovered hidden caches containing veterinary preparations in a scheduled international bus arriving from Poland. The discovery highlights the persistent risk of illicit importation of veterinary drugs, which are subject to strict veterinary-sanitary and customs controls under the EAEU Treaty and the Customs Union Technical Regulation TR TS 022/2011. The seized products lacked the required veterinary accompanying documents and import permits, constituting a violation of Article 16.2 of the Belarusian Administrative Offenses Code (illegal movement of goods subject to veterinary control). The incident also triggers potential liability under the EAEU Customs Code Article 285 for failure to declare goods.

Key Takeaways

  • Targeted Inspections: Customs used intelligence-led profiling to select the bus for detailed inspection, revealing specially constructed cavities in the luggage compartment.
  • Regulatory Consequences: The carrier and sender may face fines up to 100 basic units (BYN 3,700) per violation, confiscation of goods, and possible suspension of international transport licenses.
  • Supply Chain Vigilance: Logistics operators must ensure that all veterinary products carry valid veterinary certificates and are declared in customs declarations to avoid supply disruptions and penalties.

Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.

Source: Read Official Announcement