According to data from the Specialized Interdepartmental Unit of the Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Interior, in September 2025, a worrying trend of increase in detained persons and initiated pre-trial proceedings is observed, related to the production, processing, acquisition, possession, and distribution of narcotic substances. The specific data collected by the unit, which supports investigations in pre-trial proceedings related to narcotic substances, illegal crossing of the country's borders, and human trafficking, show a significant increase compared to the previous month.
The analysis of the data for September 2025 reveals that the total number of detained persons is 1147, compared to 921 in August. Parallel to this, the number of initiated pre-trial proceedings also increases - from 829 in August to 1003 in September. This clearly shows intensified activity of law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug crime.
The quantity of seized narcotic substances also raises concern. In September 2025, a total of 2 kg of fentanyl - a substance known for its high toxicity and detrimental effects - were discovered and seized on the territory of the country. During a single specialized operation, conducted on September 30, 997.83 g of fentanyl were confiscated, and two people were detained.
In another case, great professionalism was demonstrated by border officials. During a thorough inspection of a cargo vehicle with German registration, driven by a Turkish citizen, at the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint on September 11, a specially built hiding place was discovered. A total of 739 kg of marijuana, distributed in 656 packages, were found and seized in it. The sight of the seized drugs was probably impressive, underlining the scale of the criminal activity.
In addition, an increase has also been reported in the line of combating illegal migration. In the period from September 1 to 30, 2025, 92 people were detained, and 27 pre-trial proceedings were initiated, related to violations of Articles 279, 280, and 281 of the Penal Code - illegal crossing of the country's border and assisting foreign citizens to reside or pass through the country in violation of the law.
In the context of the judicial system, in September 2025, 282 judicial acts were issued and entered into force for the production, processing, acquisition, possession, and distribution of narcotic substances. At the same time, with regard to the illegal crossing of the border and the unlawful assistance to foreign citizens to reside or pass in/through the country, 71 judicial decisions were issued.
The Specialized Interdepartmental Unit, which is the source of this data, was created with a joint order between the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Ministry of Interior in August 2023. Its main goal is to support the investigation of specific types of crimes. One of its key functions is the monitoring of initiated and ongoing pre-trial proceedings, which allows for detailed analysis and effective coordination of efforts to combat crime.