US Praise Bulgaria's Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking

According to the report by the US State Department, the only illicit drug crop known to be cultivated in Bulgaria is cannabis. File photo

The US Department of State has praised the efforts of the Bulgarian government, and specifically the Interior Ministry, to combat the international drug trafficking.

"The Bulgarian government has demonstrated political will to combat major organize crime rings and has begun prosecuting numerous cases where the defendants are high-level organized crime figures," read the 2011 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report of the US Department of State.

It also said that the anti-drug unit of the State Unit for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) can effectively use wire intercepts and other technical equipment, conduct intelligence analysis to identify long-term trends, and cooperate in complex multilateral investigations.

The US government said it will continue to actively support Bulgaria's efforts to strengthen its asset forfeiture legislation and anti-corruption laws.

The reports acknowledged as a "significant accomplishment" Bulgaria's emergence as an internationally respected law enforcement partner and its willingness to participate and lead multilateral international investigations.

"Bulgarian law enforcement has also made significant progress in targeting and arresting major organized crime figures that are involved in narcotics trafficking and a myriad of other crimes," the report said.

However, the US Department of State thought that Bulgaria would greatly benefit from investing in updated police equipment for its anti-drugs unit.

It also criticized the Customs Agency for the decline in drug seizures.

"As evidenced by its declining drug seizures, the Customs Agency's institutional capability to combat drugs weakened this year due to structural changes that prioritize countering other contraband over combating narcotics," the report said.

It also stated that Bulgaria faces several significant challenges in its fight against narcotics trafficking and related crimes.

"Although there is some evidence suggesting that traffickers are bypassing Bulgaria via alternative routes, Bulgaria's strategic geographical position astride Balkan heroin transit routes makes it vulnerable to international trafficking organizations transporting narcotics into the European Union," the report said.

The only illicit drug crop known to be cultivated in Bulgaria is cannabis, primarily for domestic consumption, the US Department of State concluded.

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