Massive cocaine shipment hidden in bananas headed for Europe
- Customs officials discovered about 190 kilograms of cocaine hidden within a ship at the port.
- The cocaine, valued at $7 million, was allegedly concealed along the vessel's pipelines.
- This incident highlights Bulgaria's increasing efforts to combat drug trafficking as a transit point for South American cocaine.
In a significant drug bust, Bulgarian customs officials uncovered about 190 kilograms (420 pounds) of cocaine concealed within a cargo ship at the Black Sea port of Burgas. This operation took place on a recent Sunday, as authorities emphasized the growing issue of drug trafficking in the region. The ship, which originated from Peru, was reportedly transporting copper concentrate but was used to obscure the illicit shipment of cocaine. The estimated value of the cocaine seizure is approximately $7 million, indicating the scale of this international drug trade. Following the seizure, investigations began to trace the recipients of the cocaine, with potential challenges in identifying those involved in its smuggling. Bulgaria has been intensifying its crackdown on drug trafficking, affirming its position as a critical transit point for cocaine moving from Latin America to Western Europe. The operation underscores the country's efforts to combat drug-related crime and the urgency of addressing the associated risks to societal safety.