Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Three of the persons arrested aboard the Verila ship have criminal records

Photo: 5gmedia.bg

The sixth crew member of the Verila ship arrested in connection with the investigation into drug smuggling is also Bulgarian citizen, the Interior Ministry’s Secretary General Zhivko Kotsev said for Nova TV. "We are working with the Irish police and customs authorities. The number of detained Bulgarian citizens has increased from 5 to 6. Three of the individuals have criminal records. I know what their positions are. I want to believe that the crew members have nothing to do with this drug smuggling", Zhivko Kotsev explained.

The Irish authorities arrested five crew members of the Verila ship at the Port of Foynes on December 22. The detentions were part of an investigation into the trafficking of half a ton of cocaine worth millions of Euros. The crew consisted of 17 Bulgarians and one Ukrainian. The bulk carrier, owned by the Navigation Maritime Bulgare company, was carrying grain from Canada.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Switzerland supports Bulgaria's migration policies with over 21 million Swiss Francs

Switzerland is providing financial assistance worth 21,350,000 Swiss Francs to support Bulgaria's migration policies. "As EU's external border we have the responsibility to prevent the entry of persons who may pose a security threat, and on the other..

published on 10/28/25 6:50 PM

Draft Budget Signals Lower Minimum Wage but Higher Pension Contributions

Bulgaria’s draft social security budget indicates that the minimum wage from 1 January 2026 will be lower than the level set out in the Labour Code , BNR “Horizont” reports. According to sources, the minimum wage will be €605 rather than €620 (BGN..

published on 10/28/25 4:48 PM

The Bulgarian section of the Vertical Gas Corridor to be completed by end of 2026, Energy minister says

Bulgaria’s Vertical Gas Corridor project is on track for completion by the end of 2026 , according to Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, who stressed that it would help the country maintain its strategic position in South East Europe. Accompanied by..

published on 10/28/25 2:55 PM