Montenegro’s Government Cracks Down on Drug Trafficking Networks

The Montenegrin government is intensifying its efforts against organized crime, particularly drug trafficking. At a recent party gathering in Podgorica, Aleksa Bečić, the President of the Democratic Party and Deputy Prime Minister, announced significant actions against drug cartels, highlighting a major operation led by the police.

Bečić remarked that individuals who once considered themselves untouchable are now facing justice. “We are striking hard against the drug mafia, where many are being brought to justice today, who just a few years ago were seen as untouchable in Montenegro,” he stated during the event.

In conjunction with these efforts, Bečić and his party have been visiting various municipal and local organizations as part of a membership reevaluation campaign marking the 10th anniversary of the Democratic Party. Recently, they visited the Local Committee in Zagorič, where Bečić distributed new membership cards and reiterated the importance of expanding the party’s base.

Strengthening Institutional Integrity

The Vice Prime Minister emphasized the ongoing battle against not only drug-related crimes but also environmental crime, asserting that no type of crime is beyond the government’s scope. “The decisive fight against crime, the vetting process, and all other reform processes are the foundation for building strong and resilient institutions,” Bečić said.

In the past two years, authorities have filed approximately 2,500 criminal and misdemeanor charges against members of organized crime groups and other individuals of operational interest. Authorities conducted nearly 42,000 inspections, including around 6,000 checks of hospitality establishments linked to these groups. Additionally, around 3,200 informational interviews have been carried out as part of these efforts.

Bečić highlighted that the Democratic Party has been at the forefront of this challenging struggle, from leading legislative bodies during tumultuous times to managing the security sector. He noted, “We have faced the toughest processes, from Gandhi’s opposition movement to leading legislative power in very challenging times, to standing guard against all forms of crime.”

The strong stance taken against organized crime in Montenegro reflects a broader commitment to reform and institutional integrity, aiming to build a safer and more just society for all citizens.