A Congolese diplomat has been arrested in Bulgaria along with two other suspects in connection with an attempted smuggling of high-risk narcotics valued at approximately $50 million across the border into Turkey.
According to a statement from the Bulgarian Customs Agency, the Haskovo District Prosecutor’s Office has charged a 40-year-old Congolese citizen, identified as J.M., who was traveling on a diplomatic passport. The two other individuals detained in the operation include D.H., a 43-year-old Bulgarian national, and D.A., a 54-year-old Belgian citizen originally from the Republic of Congo.
The trio faces charges for attempting to illegally transport a high-risk narcotic substance across Bulgaria’s southern border, violating the country’s stringent anti-drug trafficking laws.
Although authorities have not disclosed the specific type or quantity of the narcotics, officials familiar with the case confirmed the drugs are classified as “high-risk” and carry an estimated street value of $50 million.
The arrests took place in the Haskovo region, a known hotspot on the Balkan smuggling corridor frequently exploited by transnational drug trafficking groups.
The joint operation was part of Bulgaria’s broader effort to clamp down on organized cross-border drug trafficking.
All three individuals remain in pre-trial custody and, if found guilty, could face prison terms ranging from 15 to 20 years under Bulgarian legislation.
The involvement of a diplomat in such a high-profile criminal case has sparked international interest and could prompt diplomatic exchanges between Bulgaria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Authorities have not confirmed whether diplomatic immunity has been claimed or if it will influence the legal proceedings. The Bulgarian Customs Agency stated that investigations are ongoing, with more information to be made public as the case develops.