Omanghana
Authorities in Bulgaria have dismantled a sophisticated illegal cannabis cultivation operation hidden inside a former zinc mine in the Osogovo mountain range.
The underground facility was discovered near the village of Garlyano, close to the border with North Macedonia. Police announced the successful raid on April 29, 2026, describing the site as a highly advanced operation built for large-scale production and suspected international drug trafficking.
During the raid, law enforcement officers seized approximately 70 kilograms of narcotics, €600,000 in cash, and 600 rounds of ammunition. Investigators believe the scale of the operation points to a well-organized criminal network with significant financial backing.
Three suspects have been formally charged with drug trafficking and money laundering in connection with the case. Authorities are also searching for a fourth individual believed to be linked to the operation.
Officials revealed that the former zinc mine had been privatized and transformed into a network of underground greenhouses equipped with modern cultivation technology. The hidden location allowed the operators to avoid aerial surveillance and surface-level detection while maintaining ideal growing conditions for cannabis production.
Investigators say the setup included advanced systems designed to support continuous large-scale cultivation, making it one of the most sophisticated illegal drug production sites uncovered in the region in recent years.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to trace the ownership history of the mine and determine how long the criminal group had been using the underground facility. Officials are also examining possible international trafficking links connected to the operation.
Source: Omanghana
