Illegal Meat Smuggling Hub and Slaughterhouse Uncovered in Bulgaria’s Ihtiman Region

Ihtiman, Bulgaria – A large-scale operation involving the illegal import of animals from Romania and their subsequent illegal slaughter and processing has been uncovered in the Ihtiman area of Western Bulgaria. The discovery, announced on Saturday, March 14, 2026, by caretaker Minister of Agriculture and Food Ivan Hristanov and Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) Executive Director Angel Mavrovski, reveals a significant hub for contraband entering the country.

Smuggling Route and Illegal Operations

Minister Hristanov stated that Ihtiman has grow “the epicenter or hub of smuggling into Bulgaria.” Authorities have detained trucks carrying small ruminants at the Romanian border, and Romanian ear tags were found at locations near Ihtiman, indicating the origin of the smuggled animals.

Inspections conducted on March 13 by the BFSA and the Ministry of Interior revealed multiple sites in the Ihtiman area used for illegal activities. These included locations where animal remains and waste were dumped, as well as areas where meat was butchered and cut up for distribution.

Health Risks and Market Impact

The illegal operation poses serious risks to both animal and public health, particularly given recent outbreaks of small ruminant pox in Romania, where numerous herds have been destroyed. Minister Hristanov emphasized the contrast between Bulgarian producers adhering to strict regulations and the influx of contraband meat potentially reaching the market.

Despite concerns about market volatility due to the conflict in the Middle East, Minister Hristanov assured the public that the lamb meat market in Bulgaria would remain stable and that price speculation would not be permitted.

Border Security and Future Measures

Authorities detained a truck with 25 small ruminants and 2 large ruminants at the Romanian border, with laboratory tests currently underway. BFSA officials also discovered animal ear tags from various regions of Bulgaria, including Velingrad, suggesting the movement of animals across different areas and increasing the risk of disease spread. Similar illegal transport cases have been identified at the Greek border.

A joint press conference with the Interior Ministry and police representatives is scheduled for Monday to announce specific measures aimed at curbing these illegal activities. Minister Hristanov affirmed a commitment to protecting the domestic livestock industry and preventing compromises due to weak governance.