site.btaAuthorities Seize Over 280 Combat Weapons in Bulgaria, Two Are Arrested

The Bulgarian authorities have seized 280 combat weapons during a specialized police operation of the Directorate General for Combating Organized Crime (DGCOC), said the Smolyan District Prosecutor Nedko Simov at a press conference on Thursday. Two men were arrested.

The anti-mafia operation was conducted on December 3 over a large area, including Smolyan Region (South Bulgaria) and the cities of Sofia, Vratsa (Northwest Bulgaria) and Shumen (Northeast Bulgaria). Simov pointed out that the operation aimed at stopping criminal activity related to the processing, storage and trade of firearms and ammunition. He noted that some of the seized firearms were converted from gas to combat and from air to combat.

A 44-year-old man from the village of Chepintsi and a 55-year-old man from Sofia were detained. A pre-trial proceeding has been initiated in the case.

DGCOC Deputy Director Senior Commissioner Boyan Raev said that 233 pistols were seized at one place, with another 11 pistols seized from two other addresses. A hunting rifle, an air rifle, 28 rifles and nine capsule detonators were found and seized as well. He noted that the investigation continues to reveal other sympathizers, as well as those who bought the modified weapons.

Simov stressed that such quantities have not been seized before and are a precedent for Bulgaria. "We managed to prevent the weapons from entering the black market and other crimes being committed with them", he said.