120 JUSTICE - SANS - OPERATIONS

State Agency for National Security
Has Conducted 303 Operations against
Organized Crimel Groups in 2014


Sofia, January 20 (BTA) - The State Agency for National Security
(SANS) has conducted a total of 303 operations against
organized crime groups in 2014, the Agency said in a press
release on Tuesday. Fourty-three of the operations were carried
out as part of international cooperation.

As a result of countering drug trafficking and distribution in
2014, SANS has seized over 710 kg of heroin, 1,758 of cocaine,
close to 1,260 kg marijuana and cannabis, over 250 kg of
synthetic drugs, over 125 kg of drug precursors and close to
210,000 drug precursor tablets, the Agency's report on its
activity in 2014 shows.

SANS has conducted 16 operations against cross-border human
trafficking, six of which were international.

A total of 27 operations were carried out against the illicit
trade and trafficking of cultural and historical property. The
operations prevented the export of a huge quantity of ancient
and medieval coins, as well as artefacts of significant
scientific and cultural value. A unique golden treasure of
national and global significance was returned from abroad before
being sold at an auction, the Agency said.

SANS worked on 29 cases related to bribery, abuse of office,
embezzlement, document fraud and others.

Countering tax and customs violations remains among the Agency's
priorities, as this is a large source of income for organized
crime, in addition to harming the State, as well as the EU
budget, SANS added. LI/MY