Police operation uncovers large-scale cannabis plantations in Sofia and Delyan

As a result of a large-scale specialized police operation targeting the cultivation and distribution of narcotic substances, criminologists from the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior-Sofia uncovered several extensive cannabis plantations. The operation, conducted on August 7 and 8, led to the arrest of a 33-year-old man and the confiscation of over 2000 cannabis plants.

The initial phase of the operation began yesterday when police officers located hundreds of hemp plantings in the Mechkata area, in the land of Dolni Okol village. Today around noon, the operational activities culminated in the detention of the suspect, who was caught in the act of watering and weeding the plants.

On site, 832 cannabis stalks in an advanced stage of development were seized, along with equipment for their cultivation, including a gasoline pump for irrigation, fertilizers, tools, a hose, and a hand sprayer. During the subsequent search of the suspect's home in the capital, police found a drone and numerous receipts for the purchase of equipment related to marijuana cultivation.

The investigation did not end there. Upon checking another address associated with the suspect, three hunting cameras, 12 grams of grassy hemp mass, an electronic scale, and liquid fertilizers were discovered.

Intensive operational actions revealed that the detainee was managing two more cannabis fields in the land of Delyan village. During the procedural and investigative actions carried out there, about 1200 plants were seized, as well as additional equipment, including hoses, sprayers, and a chainsaw.

The collected evidence has been reported to the prosecutor's office, and the 33-year-old man has been charged with a crime under Article 354C, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code. His detention measure has been extended to 72 hours.

A spokesperson for the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior-Sofia commented: "This operation is a significant blow against illegal drug production in the region. We will continue to work hard to uncover and stop such criminal activities."

The investigation into the case continues, with additional details expected to be revealed about the scale of the operation and possible accomplices of the detainee.