Bulgarian authorities seize 206 kilograms of cocaine hidden in van

On July 20, 2025, Bulgarian border authorities conducted a significant operation resulting in one of the largest seizures of cocaine in the country's history. The authorities intercepted a Belgian-registered van that was attempting to cross the land border into Turkey. During the inspection of the vehicle, law enforcement officials discovered around 206 kilograms of cocaine, which was cleverly concealed within 179 sealed bags hidden amidst personal belongings across five suitcases. This impressive bust highlights the ongoing issues of drug trafficking in Bulgaria and the country's strategic position as a conduit for transnational drug movements. The cocaine found has an estimated value of 20 million euros, equivalent to about 22 million dollars. The haul represents a significant blow to the criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, particularly as Bulgaria has been increasing its efforts to combat such illicit activities in recent years. This nation's geographical location on the Balkan route has made it a transit point for drugs, including heroin from Asia and cocaine from Latin America destined for Western Europe. Three individuals were identified as the ones seeking to transport the illegal drugs across the border: a 40-year-old diplomat from the Democratic Republic of Congo accredited in Belgium, a 54-year-old Belgian citizen, and a 43-year-old Bulgarian driver. Haskovo District Prosecutor Ivan Stoyanov remarked that if these individuals are convicted on drug trafficking charges, they could face prison sentences of up to 20 years. This case underlines the complex dynamics of international drug trafficking and the involvement of individuals from various backgrounds in these operations. An extensive investigation is currently underway in cooperation with partner organizations in other EU countries to trace the origins of the seized cocaine and to identify its intended recipients. This collaborative effort aims to dismantle the networks that facilitate drug trafficking across borders. Given the rise in drug-related activities in the region, Bulgarian authorities remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that such significant hauls do not reach their destinations, thus contributing to the broader fight against drug abuse in the European context.