Record drug seizure at Bulgarian border: 205.9 kilos of narcotics intercepted en route to Türkiye

Sofia, Bulgaria – July 20, 2025 — Bulgarian authorities have announced the largest drug seizure ever recorded at the country’s land borders, uncovering 205.9 kilograms of narcotics in a luxury vehicle en route from Belgium to Türkiye. 

The operation, conducted at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing, led to the arrest of three individuals — including a diplomatic passport holder from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The haul, discovered through X-ray scans and the assistance of a customs sniffer dog named Raya, had been concealed in four suitcases and behind a passenger seat, amounting to 179 separate packages. The estimated street value of the narcotics is approximately 37 million Bulgarian leva, or 550 million Turkish Lira.

Three Detained, One with Diplomatic Status

The suspects currently in custody are: D.H., a 43-year-old Bulgarian citizen and the vehicle’s driver, Zh.M., a 40-year-old Congolese national holding a diplomatic passport, D.A., a 54-year-old Belgian citizen.

All three were detained for 72 hours by order of the Haskovo Regional Prosecutor's Office and are being investigated for attempting to smuggle high-risk drugs across the border without proper documentation.

Operation Involved Over 100 Officials

The operation, part of a coordinated risk-based screening process, was executed with the involvement of more than 100 customs and law enforcement officers, according to Customs Department Director Georgi Dimov. The suspect vehicle was selected from among more than 10,000 vehicles crossing the border and had been monitored from the Serbian border.

Ministers Praise Coordination

At a press conference, Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova emphasized the importance of institutional coordination, saying, "It's clear how Bulgaria protects its EU borders when coordination is ensured across institutions."

Interior Minister Daniel Mitov added, "This is entirely Bulgaria's own operation."

Diplomatic Implications?

One of the more controversial aspects of the case is the involvement of a suspect with diplomatic status, raising questions about diplomatic immunity and the potential for a wider international incident. Authorities confirmed that they are handling the matter in accordance with international legal protocols, and may contact the relevant foreign ministries as necessary.

As investigations continue, the Bulgarian public and political circles are closely watching the case, with some speculating that it could escalate into a diplomatic crisis. Additional statements and findings from the participating agencies are expected in the coming days.