The reported growth in seized narcotics and excise goods is the highest in the last 5 years. 255,000 narcotics tablets were seized. The cocaine seized for 2025 is over 34 times more than in 2021. This was announced in parliament by the outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov.
"The general policy of the government is determined by the Law on the Control of Narcotics. A National Council was established. In 2025, 6 meetings were held and important decisions were made. 9 new substances were placed under control. The goal is to prevent trafficking and distribution in the country. Municipal councils on narcotics have been established. 27 councils are functioning. They work in the field in school and out-of-school environments. We have recommended that mayors fill the vacant positions, where there are councils. The National Council on Narcotic Drugs reviewed and adopted a strategy for combating narcotic drugs. New prevention programs are being introduced. New places in programs are being opened. Training of young people is planned to assist experts from the centers," announced Zhelyazkov.
It is planned to increase the control of drugs with narcotic substances, as well as to open state programs for the treatment of persons under 18 years of age with addictions.
"The relevant standards have been introduced, a unified quality system for preventive programs. The administrative capacity of the control units has been improved. At the beginning of the cabinet's mandate, the Ministry of Internal Affairs prepared a plan. From January to November 2025, over 6,000 operations were carried out to intercept the distribution of narcotic substances. Over 22,000 establishments have been inspected, greenhouses and 44 laboratories have been identified."
Zhelyazkov noted that in 2024, 54 cases of fentanyl were registered, and in 2025, 240 cases.
The activities of 9 vaping sites have been suspended.
"Open lessons were held in schools. For the first time, a national program for training teachers on how to recognize early signs of risk was developed under the Ministry of Education and Science. Over 2,000 schools or over 90% of the school network has been covered. A 10% increase in the number of psychologists appointed has been achieved. Funds have been provided for more sports in schools. The Ministry of Education and Science has developed information materials and films based on student stories. Many operations have been carried out and developed under cross-border and other international cooperation. Regarding the grey list - just a few months were not enough for this government to boast that Bulgaria is no longer part of this list."