One month of the Ministry of Interior's Working Team: seizures of over 43 kilograms of drugs and 241 arrested

The Ministry of Interior (MVR) announced that one month after the formation of the Working Team for combating illegal drug trade, a series of arrests, searches and seizures were recorded across the country.

The Ministry states that among the more significant results was the seizure of around 43 kilograms of marijuana, the interception of an international transport of approximately 25 kilograms at the Deve Bair border crossing and 241 people arrested or deprived of liberty on various drug-related grounds.

Detailed figures and finds

The official statement indicates that in total the following were seized: 43.3 kilograms of marijuana, 693.37 grams of cocaine, 141.42 grams of hashish, 691.34 grams of amphetamine, 50 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms, 541 ecstasy tablets, 69 LSD tablets, 14 MDMA tablets, as well as 116 packages containing plant-based, powdery and lumpy material, which are undergoing appropriate forensic analyses. In the same period 21 criminal complaints were filed against 29 people, 131 searches of homes and other premises were carried out, 935 vehicle inspections and 1,078 personal searches were conducted.

“Over the past month, several coordinated operations were carried out across the country aimed at uncovering dealer networks, interrupting supply channels and preventing further distribution of illegal drugs. Among the more significant operations was the interception of an international transport of about 25 kilograms of marijuana at the Deve Bair border crossing. As a result of the measures and activities undertaken, 43.3 kilograms of marijuana, 693.37 grams of cocaine, 141.42 grams of hashish, 691.34 grams of amphetamine, 50 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms, 541 ecstasy tablets, 69 LSD tablets, 14 MDMA tablets, as well as 116 packages containing plant-based, powdery and lumpy material, which are undergoing appropriate forensic analyses, were seized. In the same period 21 criminal complaints were filed against 29 people, 131 searches of homes and other premises were carried out, 935 vehicle inspections and 1,078 personal searches were conducted, and 241 people were arrested or deprived of liberty on various grounds related to illegal drug trafficking,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry points out that particularly significant results were achieved in the area of the Skopje Regional Police Directorate, where, during the searches, in addition to narcotic drugs, €2,900, 100 Swiss francs, 58,000 denars in various denominations, two pistols and six digital scales were found and seized.

“Where, during the searches, in addition to narcotic drugs, €2,900, 100 Swiss francs, 58,000 denars in various denominations, two pistols and six digital scales were found and seized. These items indicate organized commission of criminal offences and constitute significant material evidence in further criminal proceedings,” the Ministry said.

The Working Team also conducted a search and located a 41-year-old person from Kochani for whom an international warrant had been issued due to escape from a police station. “The person had previously escaped from a police station where he had been deprived of liberty on reasonable suspicion of illegal drug trafficking, and his location and re-arrest represent another confirmation of the effective action of the police services and the consistent enforcement of legal responsibility,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry emphasizes that it will continue to work with increased intensity in the fight against narco-crime. The director of BJB regarding the escape from the police station in Kochani said: “All those in whom shortcomings or culpability are established will be sanctioned.”

Photo: MVR