site.btaSix Arrested for Unlawful Handling of Firearms, Ammo, Explosives

In a special operation carried out in the regions of Ruse, Silistra and Sofia on August 7, officers of the Bulgarian Interior Ministry's General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime arrested six individuals suspected as members of an organized crime group engaged in retrofitting, repairing, storing, trading and transporting firearms, ammunition and explosives, the Ministry said in a press release on Friday.

Six residences were searched, at which the law enforcers seized an AK-47 assault rifle, four pistols, over 1,200 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, and an unregistered collection of vintage weapons, as well as a narcotic substance similar to marijuana. 

The Sofia City Prosecution Office has instituted a pre-trial proceeding. Three of the detained persons have been charged, and the precautionary measure to secure their appearance has been extended to 72 hours. Work on the case is in progress.