Eight suspects investigated for smuggling cigarettes, medicines and potency products; cash and gold seized

The Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office for Prosecuting Organised Crime and Corruption has opened an investigation against eight people suspected of smuggling cigarettes, medicines and products advertised to improve sexual function and potency.

According to the case file, investigators obtained key evidence from the mobile phone of the prime suspect seized in January this year. During a search of his home officers found in two metal safe-boxes hidden in a lowered ceiling €86,200 and 16 gold-coloured bars. In the suspect’s vehicle they also discovered €6,465 and 62,000 denars. Prosecutors say the cigarette smuggling took place between 2024 and 2026.

Alleged network and inside assistance

“Several suspects helped him in the smuggling, including a customs officer who informed him about his shifts, the lane where he was deployed and about intensified customs checks, enabling uninterrupted transfer of the goods. The smuggled cigarettes were then released onto the market without excise stamps, and some of the suspects bought and resold them even though they knew they originated from smuggling,” the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office for Prosecuting Organised Crime and Corruption said.

Prosecutors also say the group imported, stored and offered for sale medicines and sexual-function products without authorisation.

“During the searches larger quantities of preparations intended for treatment of diabetes, heart and cardiovascular diseases, neurological and psychiatric conditions, rheumatological and autoimmune diseases, respiratory tract disorders and inflammatory bowel disease were found, as well as antibiotics, corticosteroids, hormonal preparations, insulins, anticoagulants and benzodiazepines. Also found were ‘KAMAGRA oral jelly’, which is dispensed with a medical prescription, and other products to improve sexual function and potency in the form of tablets, gels, pastes, honey and chocolates,” the prosecutor’s office added.

The prime suspect is accused of promising and passing bribe money to a customs officer who worked at the Bogorodica border crossing so that a vehicle could pass without inspection. The money intended as a bribe for the officer was handed to him by a Turkish national, who is also being prosecuted in the case.

Searches at the homes and premises of other suspects yielded cigarettes and other goods suspected of being smuggled. Police established that the prime suspect and one other suspect are from Tetovo; the remaining suspects are from Skopje, Gevgelija and two are Turkish nationals. In January, during the first operation against the prime suspect, authorities also seized quantities of cigarettes and cash totaling 30,000 Canadian dollars, 35,000 Australian dollars, €12,950 and 69,000 denars.

The prosecutor’s office said it will continue the investigation and pursue criminal charges against those involved.

Photo: press material from the event