site.btaMine Converted into Cannabis Greenhouse Uncovered

An operation targeting a criminal group involved in drug trafficking and distribution and money laundering has been underway since last week. The operation has been led by the Directorate General for Combating Organized Crime (DGCOC) and the State Agency for National Security under the supervision of the Sofia City Prosecution Office, DGCOC Deputy Director Emil Borisov said at a news briefing on Wednesday. So far, some 70 kg of drugs, a large sum of money, and ammunition have been seized. The group have set up cannabis greenhouses in former mines that had been privatized.

A few days ago, the Sofia City Prosecution Office reported that the Sofia City Court had kept two individuals in custody, placed a third under house arrest for health reasons, and a fourth was being sought. The four are charged with criminal conspiracy, with one accused of possessing drugs with intent to distribute - 67 kg and 340 g in total - while another faces charges of laundering around EUR 600,000 and possession of ammunition for firearms without the required permit.

All four are linked to the cannabis greenhouse.

The investigation began as an urgent measure. Assistance has been requested from the Economy and Industry Ministry and the National Customs Agency.

During the news briefing, Deputy City Prosecutor at the Sofia City Prosecution Office Vihar Mihaylov noted that the quantity of drugs found was more likely intended for trafficking, adding that the mine contains over 20 galleries. Photos of the mine shown during the briefing revealed that some galleries had been converted into greenhouses, while others had been turned into living spaces - kitchens, service rooms, etc.

Asked by BTA who owns the mine, Mihaylov said that the individual is not among the accused and they cannot yet say who he is. The real owner is yet to be identified, the prosecutor added.

"This is an underground city with plants. The investigation is ongoing and is likely to continue for months. We expect help from various organizations and mining specialists," DGCOC Deputy Director Darin Kostov told the media.

Dancho Zhelev of the State Agency for National Security said that the operation was the result of good cooperation between different directorates.