Burgas, Bulgaria – May 6, 2024 — A series of traffic inspections over the weekend led to the arrests of four individuals for driving under the influence of drugs across several locations in the Burgas region, including Sveti Vlas, Sungurlare, and Ruen.
Authorities have launched multiple rapid investigations as part of intensified enforcement actions during the long May Day holiday period.
The first incident occurred on May 2 around 2:00 a.m. in Sveti Vlas, when officers from the Nessebar Regional Police Department stopped a Peugeot 5008 with Burgas registration for a routine check.
The vehicle was driven by a 40-year-old woman from the village of Ravda, who tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. She refused to provide a blood sample for chemical testing and was detained for up to 24 hours.
A search of her vehicle uncovered two envelopes containing approximately six grams of cannabis and four ecstasy pills weighing around four grams.
Authorities have initiated a rapid investigation into the incident, and the seized substances have been sent for forensic analysis.
Later that morning, at approximately 08:30, Sungurlare police stopped a 25-year-old local man riding a dirt bike without registration plates.
He also tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. The suspect, who did not hold a valid license, was detained and his motorcycle was confiscated. A summary proceeding has been initiated by the Sungurlare District Office.
The crackdown continued on May 3 at around 2:34 p.m., when officers near the junction for Ruen from the village of Vishna pulled over a Mercedes C 220, also with Burgas plates.
The vehicle was driven by a 26-year-old man from Planinitsa village in the Ruen municipality, who was found to be under the influence of amphetamine and methamphetamine.
He was similarly detained for 24 hours, and the car was seized as part of the procedural protocol. Authorities launched a fast-tracked investigation into the matter.
On May 4, the final arrest in this sequence took place at 3:10 p.m. in the village of Listets, Ruen, when a 21-year-old local man driving a Volkswagen Polo was stopped. Police found the driver had used methamphetamine.
He refused to submit blood and urine samples for chemical analysis and was detained. His vehicle was seized, and a speedy investigation has been opened.
The four cases, which span just under three days, highlight growing concerns about drugged driving in rural and resort areas, especially as Bulgaria enters the spring and summer tourist season.
Authorities have reiterated that refusal to provide biological samples, driving without registration plates, or operating a vehicle while under the influence of narcotics will result in immediate detention, seizure of the vehicle, and expedited legal proceedings.
The Burgas Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior has confirmed that enhanced road controls will continue in the coming weeks.
“These arrests send a clear message,” a police spokesperson said. “Drug use behind the wheel endangers not just the driver but everyone on the road. We will continue to enforce the law to ensure public safety.”