SOFIA, Bulgaria — A U.S. anti-drug agency has opened a new office in Bulgaria, which lies on a major drug trafficking route linking Western Europe, the Middle East and Southwest Asia.
Drug Enforcement Administration chief Michele Leonhart attended the opening in Sofia on Tuesday and praised the growing U.S. partnership with Bulgaria in fighting the flow of drugs.
The Balkan country, a European Union member since 2007, has stepped up border inspections as part of its efforts to join the visa-free Schengen area in Europe.
Last year, Bulgarian officials seized a total 423 kilograms (931 pounds) of heroin and 361 kilograms (794 pounds) of amphetamines at the country’s borders.
Leonhart said the DEA, which now has 85 offices around the world, will assist the Bulgarians with intelligence and technology.
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Source: Washington Post
