Investigating Illegal Sand Mining in Pazardzhik Region

The Ministry of Energy announced the opening of pre-trial proceedings and prosecutor’s case files due to alleged sand extraction near the village of Lozen in Pazardzhik. This was stated during parliamentary control when Energy Minister IvA Petrova explained the situation.

The case inquiry was prompted by a signal about a quarry for extraction of inert materials in the Sep tem bri municipality. The minister noted that an on-site check was carried out by the energy ministry in cooperation with a representative of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior – Pazardzhik, in the area along the Cha pinskа River valley, including around Lozen.

The inspection revealed a developed sand quarry with evidence of extensive activities. On the ground were found two excavator operators and a truck driver, as well as the corresponding machinery – two excavators and a dump truck.

An official from the Economic Crime Prevention Sector of the Ministry of Interior ordered the cessation of the equipment’s operation and identified the three workers at the site. A factual protocol was drawn up for the inspection, which on July 24 was forwarded to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Subsequently, the pre-trial proceedings and prosecutor’s case were opened.

During the check, a man informally appeared, presenting himself as a employee of Sep tem bri Municipality, who claimed that a municipal project to build a reservoir – a fish farm – was being implemented at the site. He presented documents, including a construction permit and an agreement between the municipality and a commercial company, which is subject to further inspection.

Minister Petrova noted that the site lies within the scope of active licenses for exploration and prospecting of underground resources or of active concessions for extraction. The investigation will determine the legal basis for the activities and whether any legal requirements were violated in the sand extraction.

Source: Vesti.bg