Bulgarian police crack down on drug networks in Mърчаево and Gabrovo

A night‑time operation by the Sofia regional police in the village of Mърчаево resulted in six people being detained, including a 33‑year‑old alleged organiser and a 25‑year‑old accomplice. Officers seized 19 packets of white powder, 12 bags of dry herbal material, numerous crystal‑type substances, electronic scales, mobile phones and a significant amount of cash. Prosecutors have filed charges against the two principal suspects under article 354a of the Criminal Code.

In parallel, a large‑scale special operation in the city of Gabrovo involved about 100 officers, raids on 37 addresses and checks of 315 vehicles. Eight people were arrested and authorities confiscated roughly 54 g of amphetamine, 40.8 g of marijuana, 11 cannabis plants, counterfeit €100 notes and 12 bottles of methadone. The mayor’s open letter to the prime minister prompted the intensified police presence, which also led to the discovery of a missing woman with a drug dependence. Both actions are part of a broader effort to combat narcotics distribution and related crime in Bulgaria.