Desislava Pavlova, a 34-year-old senior police officer from the Vratsa Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison for drug trafficking. The Haskovo District Court approved a plea agreement, confirming that Pavlova was apprehended on February 10 with over 2 kilograms of cocaine hidden in her vehicle’s battery while attempting to cross the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint into Turkey.
Details of the Trafficking Conviction
According to the Haskovo District Court, the legal proceedings concluded on July 21, 2026, following a plea agreement between the District Prosecutor’s Office and Pavlova’s defense. Forensic analysis of the seized substance, which weighed 2.002 kg, revealed a 72.53% concentration of cocaine with an estimated value of 248,822.33 euros. The court ordered that Pavlova serve her sentence under an initial “general” regime at the Sliven Prison. The time spent in custody since her February 11, 2026, arrest will be credited toward her total sentence duration.
Did You Know? The cocaine seized from Pavlova’s vehicle had a high purity level of 72.53%, contributing to an estimated street value of nearly a quarter-million euros.
Recent Police Convictions in Bulgaria
Pavlova’s incarceration follows the recent sentencing of another police officer, Simona Radeva, who was also sent to the Sliven Prison. The Sofia City Court handed Radeva a three-year and six-month sentence for personal concealment. Radeva was found guilty of aiding Georgi Semerdzhiev in evading authorities following a fatal collision on July 5, 2022, on Cherni Vrah Boulevard in Sofia, which resulted in the deaths of two young women. The court determined that Radeva intentionally assisted Semerdzhiev by providing a ladder to help him enter his apartment through a window to hide from police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the specific role of the officer involved in the drug trafficking case?
Desislava Pavlova served as a senior police officer at the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Vratsa.
How was the cocaine discovered during the border crossing?
Mustoms officials at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint discovered the substance concealed inside the battery of the vehicle Pavlova was driving.
What is the nature of the sentence for Simona Radeva?
Radeva was sentenced to three years and six months in prison under an initial “general” regime for her role in helping Georgi Semerdzhiev hide after a fatal traffic accident.
Does the frequency of such cases suggest a need for broader reforms within the police force?