SOFIA, Jan 28 Bulgarian police today said they had seized 39 kg of heroin worth 780,000 e

SOFIA, Jan 28 (Reuters) Bulgarian police today said they had seized 39 kg of heroin worth 780,000 euros ($1.0 million) aimed for distribution in western Europe.

The drugs, stashed in 77 packages, were found in a car in the southeastern town of Haskovo. A 53-year-old Bulgarian man was arrested.

Police said the haul was part of an international operation aimed at cracking down on a powerful drug trafficking ring and other arrests were taking place abroad.

Bulgaria, which joined the European Union this month, sits on one of the main drug trafficking routes between Europe and Asia. Police said they seized 150 kg of heroin in the country last year.

Reuters RL GC1727