In a major drug bust on July 20, 2025, Bulgarian border authorities seized approximately 206 kilograms of cocaine from a Belgian-plated van, marking the largest cocaine seizure at Bulgaria's land borders.

This seizure exceeds a previous March 2025 confiscation of over 40 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a sea container at Burgas port, which was valued at $10.5 million.

The National Customs Agency (NCA) confirmed this recent haul as the largest cocaine confiscation at Bulgaria's land borders.

The drugs were hidden inside five suitcases containing 179 sealed bags, discovered during a vehicle inspection with the help of a drug-sniffing dog and X-ray scans.

The total value of the seized cocaine is estimated at around 20 million euros ($22 million), making it a significant blow to drug trafficking networks.

Three individuals, including a Bulgarian driver, a Belgian citizen, and a Congolese diplomat, were arrested at the scene, and an investigation is ongoing.

Authorities have launched an investigation in collaboration with other EU countries to trace the origins of the cocaine and identify its intended recipients.

The suspects face potential charges that could lead to up to 20 years in prison, according to local prosecutors.

Bulgaria is a known transit hub in the Balkan route for drug trafficking, facilitating the movement of heroin and cocaine from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America to Western Europe.

This recent seizure underscores Bulgaria's strategic role in the international drug trade, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat organized crime.

The individuals attempting to cross into Turkey included a diplomat from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a Belgian citizen, and a Bulgarian driver, all identified during border checks.

The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated at approximately $22 million, emphasizing the scale of this operation.