SOFIA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Bulgarian authorities have destroyed a printing house making counterfeit euro banknotes and arrested three suspects, the Prosecutor's Office said in a press release on Friday.

The operation was started after three counterfeit euro banknotes were used to pay in grocery stores in two villages in the Svoge Municipality near the Bulgarian capital Sofia on Tuesday, said the press release.

After the investigation, the authorities seized six printers, two paper cutting plotters, a UV detector, printing ink and other items used to make counterfeit banknotes in a room in the village of Rebrovo, Svoge Municipality. Those items had been stored there since May till June 3.

Among the three suspects who have been arrested and charged in the case, one was released on bail due to serious health condition.

The investigation is still underway.

Bulgaria joined the eurozone and adopted the euro as its currency on Jan. 1 this year. ■