Bulgarian border officials have intercepted nearly 206 kilograms (453 pounds) of cocaine concealed in a van with Belgian license plates attempting to cross into Turkey.
Customs authorities revealed that the narcotics, valued at €20 million ($22 million), were discovered during a routine inspection at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing. The drugs were hidden in 179 sealed bags tucked into five suitcases among personal belongings.
“This is the largest land-border cocaine seizure in Bulgaria’s history,” officials said.
According to Haskovo District Prosecutor Ivan Stoyanov, those arrested include a 40-year-old Congolese diplomat accredited in Belgium, a 54-year-old Belgian citizen, and a 43-year-old Bulgarian driver. “They could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of drug trafficking,” Stoyanov stated.
Investigators have launched a probe in collaboration with EU partner agencies to trace the cocaine’s source and its intended recipients.
Bulgaria remains a key transit route on the Balkan corridor, frequently used to move heroin from Asia and cocaine from Latin America into Western Europe.
READ MORE AT THE WASHINGTON TIMES