The Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Justice and Anti‑Corruption, Momo Koprivica, made a visit to the warehouse in the Free Zone of the Port of Bar, where the destruction of seized tobacco is taking place. He was joined by the British Ambassador to Montenegro, Dawn McKen, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Yngve Engström, the Customs Administration Director, Maja Vučinić, and Aleksandar Božović, the Executive Director of Deponija, responsible for executing the destruction process.

Koprivica remarked that the operation has been progressing on schedule over the past 13 working days, aligning with the government’s directive. He referred to the initiative as historic, reinforcing Montenegro’s strong political commitment to battling smuggling and illicit trade. He highlighted that this process transcends technicalities; it reflects a robust political determination—a clear signal that Montenegro is no longer a sanctuary for smugglers. This action is a reclaiming of institutions to prioritize public interest over private gains. Despite past claims that the state could not confront the tobacco mafia, we are proving otherwise—this signifies a pivotal moment in our pursuit of the rule of law, Koprivica stated. He also noted that the destruction process is a well-structured and trustworthy operation, bolstered by international collaboration. He extended his thanks to the British and EU embassies, along with HMRC, for their legal and operational support and for helping establish a transparent methodology—demonstrating Montenegro’s complete engagement in the fight against transnational crime and corruption.

Koprivica emphasized that this operation corresponds with the European agenda and standards, showcasing readiness to close essential negotiation chapters with the EU. He added that the destruction of smuggled tobacco safeguards the legitimate industry and contributes excise revenue to the national budget. The state does not incur losses; in fact, it benefits, he concluded.

I am thrilled to observe this significant advancement by Montenegro in its battle against organized crime. The government has exhibited resolve in executing the tobacco destruction with transparency and credibility, and the UK is proud to support this through HMRC oversight and the operational strategy, remarked British Ambassador Dawn McKen.

This is indeed a positive day for Montenegro. The fight against organized crime necessitates practical efforts and credible outcomes. The EU will persist in offering robust support to Montenegro in upholding the rule of law, stated Yngve Engström, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro.

Customs Administration Director Maja Vučinić confirmed that from June 23 to July 8, Montenegro successfully destroyed 325 tonnes of smuggled tobacco (which equates to 21,000 packs), adhering to the established methodology. She accentuated the operation’s contribution to maintaining public trust, upholding the rule of law, and protecting Montenegro’s financial interests. The Customs Administration has also underscored the formal agreement with a licensed waste-management firm for the safe disposal of materials within 90 days, overseen by a coordination team.

At the beginning of the visit, Executive Director of Deponija, Aleksandar Božović, briefed attendees on the destruction process, expressing his gratitude to the Government of Montenegro for assigning such an important and historic task to the Podgorica-based company.

According to Božović, the destruction procedure is efficient and straightforward. Every piece of seized tobacco, still in its original packaging—including packets and cellophane—is ground onsite using industrial shredders. This material is reduced to a fine, unrecognizable, and unusable state. It is then blended with cardboard and other neutralizing materials and transported, under strict regulations and with police escort, to a sanitary landfill. Upon arrival at the landfill, approximately 35 tons of destroyed tobacco daily are amalgamated with around 350 tons of municipal waste received every day. This mixture is then layered with materials specifically designed for landfill insulation and protection. Ultimately, Božović emphasized that the process guarantees that not a single gram of the confiscated tobacco is reusable or retrievable.