site.btaFighting Illegal Migration Remains Border Police's Top Priority - Chief Commissioner Zlatanov

Attending a maritime security exercise in Sozopol on Friday, the head of the Border Police Directorate, Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, said that the benefits of joint exercises between security structures are enormous. "Today’s demonstration was a realistic simulation of incidents that have occurred in recent months," he said. Zlatanov observed the Border Police exercise aimed at combating cross-border crime at sea. He identified fighting illegal migration as the Border Police's top priority. 

"We showed real cases from recent months, not just scenarios," Zlatanov said. "This is how we test, coordinate, and improve our operations," the Chief Commissioner added.

He said that the Border Police work around the clock, both on land and at sea, and noted that Bulgaria’s border guards are highly regarded by their European partners. "I believe that Bulgarian border police officers are perhaps a model for European border police officers. This has been acknowledged by our partners," Zlatanov said.

Zlatanov said that every officer undergoes continuous training. "The best training is the work we do around the clock - because real-world experience is the best teacher," he added. He noted that their focus is not just on operational activities, but also on the effective absorption of European funds. "Apart from police work, there is also a huge amount of management work involved, including absorbing funds for purchasing and maintaining helicopters, ships, marine and underwater drones, and diving equipment. These are expensive, difficult to operate but very powerful tools," Zlatanov said.

Regarding security threats, Zlatanov said that illegal migration remains a top priority, followed by smuggling. He recalled successful operations, including the discovery of over 120 kg of drugs hidden in secret compartments on a yacht near Tsarevo, as well as the neutralization of a drug trafficking channel across the sea in July, which resulted in the seizure of nearly 50 kg of drugs.

"These cases are part of our daily routine. We publish them, we announce them. Unfortunately, good news tends to be quickly forgotten, while bad news lingers. Maybe that is why we need to talk more about the positive achievements more often,” Zlatanov said.