Skopje, 1 November 2023 (MIA) — Customs agents at the Tabanovce border crossing with Serbia recently seized 15,100 euros that two truck drivers tried to take out of the country by hiding large sums of money in their socks and under the gear shift boot, the Customs Administration said in a press release.

"In the first case, a total of 11,100 euros was found, 7,000 euros of which was hidden in the driver's socks," the release said.

"The rest of the foreign currency was in his wallet and in an envelope in the vehicle cabin. In the second case, 8,000 euros was found. The truck driver hid the money in the cab of his truck, under the automatic gear shift boot cover.

"In both cases, the drivers, Macedonian citizens, were given back 2,000 euros each, an amount they can freely take out of the country. The rest of the foreign currency has been kept and charges will be filed against them," the release said.

Customs agents at the Blace border crossing with Kosovo prevented attempts to smuggle into North Macedonia 250 detox teas and a cylinder head for a truck.

The detox teas were found during a routine search of a van with Kosovo license plates. They were hidden under the vehicle's seats. 

The cylinder head was found covered with a blanket and a jacket in the trunk of a passenger car with Kosovo license plates.

The contraband was seized and charges will be filed, the Customs Administration said. mr/