270 barrels of unknown slimy substance found in Croatian forest; police seek perpetrator

Police in Croatia have discovered a significant environmental hazard: 270 barrels, each weighing around 150 kilograms, filled with an unknown slimy substance, were found abandoned in a forest area near Draganić. The discovery was made after authorities received a tip-off on June 26 regarding discarded barrels.

Officers from the Karlovac Police Administration investigated the report and, during a search of the area, located the barrels at seven different sites within the forest and low-lying vegetation. The contents of these barrels have not yet been identified and will undergo expert analysis. Each barrel has a capacity of 120 liters, and the total weight of the discarded material is substantial.

An inspector from the State Inspectorate was present at the scene and has ordered the local government authority to promptly remove and dispose of the barrels. The police have launched a criminal investigation to determine all the circumstances surrounding the incident, including identifying the individual or individuals responsible for dumping the barrels. The findings will be reported to the competent state prosecutor's office.

The initial report from forestry workers on June 26 alerted the police to the presence of barrels in multiple locations. At that time, the exact number of barrels and whether their contents posed a danger to the environment or citizens remained unknown. The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the nature of the substance and the motive behind its illegal disposal.