Eight people have been charged in connection with an organized criminal group allegedly involved in producing and distributing high-risk narcotics, including around 6 kilograms of fentanyl valued at more than 157 million euros, Bulgarian prosecutors announced.
The charges follow an operation by the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, which uncovered a fentanyl production laboratory in Sofia on Tuesday. Investigators said the drugs were manufactured in two buildings near the base of the Agricultural Academy in the Faculty district of the capital.
The case is being supervised by the District Prosecutor's Office in Ruse, which led the investigation after the criminal activity was uncovered. Authorities carried out more than 20 searches and seizures at homes, warehouses and vehicles, inspected crime scenes, prepared photographic evidence and questioned numerous witnesses.
During the operation, investigators seized a significant amount of material evidence connected to the production of different types of narcotics. Several expert examinations have also been ordered as part of the ongoing investigation.
The eight accused individuals are between 36 and 53 years old. Two of them face additional charges of creating and leading an organized criminal group, according to the prosecution.
