Did Bulgaria Just Seize Cocaine in a Diplomatic Vehicle?
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Synopsis
In a stunning drug bust, Bulgarian authorities seized a staggering 205.94 kg of cocaine from a diplomatic vehicle at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking at national borders and raises serious questions about diplomatic immunity.
Key Takeaways
- 205.94 kg of cocaine seized in Bulgaria's largest land border bust.
- Seized cocaine has an estimated value of 22.1 million US dollars.
- Involvement of a diplomatic vehicle raises questions about security protocols.
- Three individuals arrested, including a Congolese diplomat.
- Ongoing investigations into drug trafficking routes.
Sofia, July 20 (NationPress) - Authorities in Bulgaria have made a significant drug bust at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint, located near the border with Turkey. They discovered 205.94 kg of cocaine cleverly concealed within a diplomatic vehicle, as reported by officials on Sunday.
This incident marks the largest cocaine seizure at the country's land borders, according to the National Customs Agency (NCA) in their press release.
The vehicle, a Land Rover displaying diplomatic license plates, was being driven by a 43-year-old Bulgarian citizen who arrived at the checkpoint on Friday.
Two additional passengers were aboard the car: a 40-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo with diplomatic status and a 54-year-old Belgian woman, originally from the Republic of Congo, as stated by the NCA.
A thorough inspection was carried out using a drug-sniffing dog, which alerted officials to four suitcases in the trunk and one in the back seat. Mobile X-ray equipment revealed abnormal densities in the suitcases.
Upon opening the luggage, authorities found a total of 179 packages of cocaine, weighing 205.940 kg in total, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated to be around 22.1 million US dollars, according to the NCA.
The driver and his two passengers have been taken into custody, and an investigation is currently in progress.
Earlier, on March 25, Bulgarian officials confiscated 40.802 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a sea container at the port of Burgas. This was discovered during a search of a ship carrying banana containers from Ecuador, with the drugs valued at 10.5 million US dollars.
The container's refrigeration unit was scanned, revealing unusual densities, leading customs officers and border police to uncover 35 packages wrapped in tape. Field tests confirmed the presence of high-purity cocaine.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of vigilance in our borders against the constant threat of drug trafficking. This incident underscores the need for robust customs checks, particularly with diplomatic vehicles, to ensure national security and public safety.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint?
Authorities seized 205.94 kg of cocaine hidden in a diplomatic vehicle.
What is the estimated value of the seized cocaine?
The cocaine has an estimated street value of 22.1 million US dollars.
Who was driving the diplomatic vehicle?
The vehicle was driven by a 43-year-old Bulgarian citizen.
How many packages of cocaine were found?
A total of 179 packages of cocaine were discovered.
What other recent drug seizures have occurred in Bulgaria?
Earlier, authorities seized 40.802 kg of cocaine hidden in a sea container at the port of Burgas.
