site.bta139 Pre-trial Proceedings into Illegal Migration Launched in January

In January 2024, 728 pre-trial proceedings were launched for drug-related crimes and illegal migration, according to data from a joint unit with the Interior Ministry, the prosecution said.

There were 589 investigations into crimes by individuals and organized criminal groups related to the production, processing, possession and distribution of drugs. Cases of illegal trafficking in human beings and illegal migration were 139.

Anti-drug operations totaled 501 and 693 people were arrested, the data showed. Some 452 specialized operations were carried out to counter illegal migration and 211 third-country nationals illegally residing in Bulgaria were detained. 

Eight drug laboratories were detected in the period, and one of the special operations against illegal migration neutralized a migrant trafficking channel from the Turkish to the Romanian border, the unit added.

BTA recalls that in December 2023, more than 780 cases were opened and more than 1,000 police raids were conducted on drugs and illegal migration, according to the unit.