Police have arrested 10 people after dismantling what authorities describe as a high-tech fentanyl production laboratory in Sofia's Fakulteta neighborhood, saying the facility was supplying the illicit drug across Bulgaria.
The large-scale operation was carried out by the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) following a months-long investigation that began in April, when officers in Ruse received intelligence about an organized criminal group producing synthetic opioids. The information was forwarded to prosecutors, leading to the launch of pre-trial proceedings.
Deputy GDBOP Director Darin Kostov said the criminal group had been operating only for a relatively short period before investigators intervened. "Yesterday, a large-scale operation was carried out in connection with the neutralization of an organized crime group engaged in the production of fentanyl," Kostov said. "The actions began in April after operational information was received in Ruse. According to our data, the group had not been active for long before our operation."
Authorities said 10 people have been detained so far, while searches and investigative actions continue. During overnight raids, officers also seized several firearms and approximately 300,000 euros in cash from properties linked to those arrested.
