Police carry out raid against group suspected of smuggling medicines — six arrested; searches in Skopje, Tetovo and Gevgelija

On September 21, 2026, law enforcement launched a large-scale operation against a criminal group suspected of smuggling medicines and trading in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, with coordinated searches and arrests carried out in Skopje, Tetovo and Gevgelija.

Police action under prosecutor's supervision

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the operation began in the morning hours under the direction of a public prosecutor from the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption. The raids were reportedly executed by the Department for Combating Organized Crime within the Bureau for Public Security, part of the Ministry of Interior.

According to investigators' preliminary findings, searches were conducted at more than ten locations across the three cities. So far six people have been arrested, and police are looking for several other individuals suspected of participation in the group.

Officials say some of the suspects are employees of the Customs Administration, according to initial information. Authorities have not yet released a full inventory of seized items or the definitive number of suspects under investigation.

The probe targets a range of alleged criminal offenses, including smuggling; violation of industrial property rights; giving and receiving bribes; money laundering; and other proceeds from criminal activity. Further details about charges, additional arrests and evidence seized are expected to be announced later in the day.

Police and prosecutors continue working at the various locations, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Photo: MVR