The government’s choice to destroy seized tobacco is historically significant; never before has such a large quantity been eradicated in a single event. Every moment of the destruction will be monitored via video surveillance. The illicit tobacco, along with the last vestiges of unscrupulous smugglers’ aspirations, will be obliterated.

This was highlighted by Momo Koprivica, the Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption, in a post on the Iks platform.

Koprivica also mentioned that the Coordination Body has approved an Operational Plan that outlines detailed steps for executing the destruction of confiscated cigarettes within the “Port of Bar” Free Zone at all stages.

“This serves as the foundation for security, effective work processes, oversight, documentation, etc. The destruction will employ cutting-edge equipment, conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. Our commitment to combating smuggling is resolute, without compromise or haphazard measures.”

“To ensure public understanding, it’s crucial to clarify that the confiscated tobacco was illegal as it lacked an excise stamp and therefore could not be sold. In line with existing legal regulations and the Protocol on Combating Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, the only course of action available to the state is to destroy it. Here, too, the government opted for decisive legal action instead of calculations,” emphasized Koprivica.

The Deputy Prime Minister urged representatives from the NGO sector to oversee the destruction process from start to finish.

“Transparency and credibility are our guiding principles, as well as serving the interests of the state. This procedure aims to deliver justice, rebuild trust, and safeguard the legitimate market that generates excise revenue for the state budget,” he stated.

Koprivica noted that the destruction process followed an exhaustive and credible inventory of the seized tobacco, fulfilling the SDT’s request for cooperation in the investigation, as per the Criminal Procedure Code—a request that he asserts was overlooked prior to the intervention of the 44th Government. This inventory was conducted with the help of partner services and representatives from the NGO sector, he added.

“What has been long anticipated, what others were unwilling or hesitant to undertake, what is expected by both the domestic and European community, we will see through to completion, determined to eradicate all forms and repercussions of tobacco smuggling, which has not only generated substantial illegal profits but has also undermined institutional integrity.”

“Every institution involved in this undertaking, as well as the Coordination Body, has contributed significantly, reflecting a patriotic commitment to the state and its interests,” concluded Koprivica in a statement sent to the media.

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