An organized drugs gang has been broken up by the Dobrich regional directorate of the Interior Ministry and 10 suspected gangsters have been arrested.

The police had been keeping the group under surveillance for two years, according to the ministry press center. During this time, they had observed several apparently isolated cases of criminal behavior, but by piecing together information on various offenses, the security forces had concluded that an organized gang was coordinating these acts.

Offenses recorded by the police in the north eastern town of Dobrich included arson attacks, threats and attacks on citizens, and destruction of cars and property.

Investigators established the existence of an organised hierarchy, with a leader and subordinate members on four levels who did not know each other. Those on the lowest level were used for punitive actions and the forceful imposition of obedience within the gang.

According to the testimony of up to 12 witnesses during pre-trail proceedings, the gang was dealing in the distribution of heroin, ecstacy, amphetamines and marijuana in the region of Dobrich.

Officers succeeded in discovering the location of hiding places used by the gang to store drugs. These were well-concealed pits, usually in forest zones in the district.

On December 15, two gang members were arrested after they travelled to one of these caches. They were caught as they dug up a pit that contained amphetamines and marijuana.

Later on the same date, the remaining gang members were arrested. In raids on their homes, police discovered drugs, weapons including gas pistols, and ammunition, as well as a selection of police radios, mobile phones, and silencers.

All the detainees, identified only by their initials, have been held for “serious intentional crimes” and for participation in an organized criminal gang, as well as for involvement in the distribution of narcotics. Several of the gang members already have criminal records.

The alleged head of the group faces further charges of leading an organized criminal gang, for which the punishment is for up to fifteen years in jail.

Dobrich District Court has ruled that all the defendants should be kept in permanent custody pending the opening of proceedings.

Meanwhile, on December 23, further investigation led to the discovery of more drugs caches containing heroin and marijuana. Pre-trial proceedings continue, under the direction of the Dobrich Deputy District Attorney’s office.

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