Bulgarian customs officers at the Lesovo border checkpoint with Turkey seized late Friday a total of 40,000 ephedrine pills from a Bulgarian car.

Police reported that the car was driven by a 21-year-old man from the city Stara Zagora, who was coming from Turkey.

During a special operation the vehicle was thoroughly checked and the pills were found in secret compartment in the back seat.

The driver was arrested and investigation launched on the case.

Ephedrine is a commonly used stimulant and is in the list of controlled substances, as it is the main precursor in the synthesis of methamphetamine.