Police uncovers depot for hiding illegal migrants in a cow farm near Karnobat

Police uncovered a depot for hiding and supporting illegal migrants in a building of a cow farm, where the migrants were waiting for the traffickers. Two people who were providing shelter for the migrants were detained on March 10.

The cow farm is near the village of Sarnevo, Karnobat region, Southeastern Bulgaria. Six migrants were found there waiting to be taken to a point near the Trakia motorway, from where they would be transported to Sofia.

The cow farm is remote - a dirt road leads to it, and two hills make it impossible to see who enters it.

Two Bulgarians were detained for sheltering the migrants. The depot has been used for about a month. One of the detained is from the village of Sarnevo and the other one is from the nearby village of Cherkovo. They welcomed the migrants coming on foot at a pre-determined location, gave them food, water and clothes.

The two Bulgarians were initially detained for 24 hours, and subsequently for 72 hours following a prosecutor's order. Charges have been pressed.

The mayor of the village told BNT:

"I can say that from time to time such people, refugees, migrants, appear in the centre of the village. People immediately report to me because they are worried about their presence and I immediately report to the police in Karnobat".

Images by Bourgas police directorate