Skopje, 18 December 2024 (MIA) - Customs officials have seized 780 kilograms of fine-cut tobacco with a total value of Mden 3.4 million, in a major operation conducted in Bitola and Resen. 

The operation included searches of homes and auxiliary premises, as well as controls of city markets, the Customs Administration said in a press release on Wednesday. 

"Three people are facing criminal charges, and a misdemeanour charge will be filed against one person. In the pretrial procedure, direct damage to the Budget from these acts has been estimated at Mden 2.8 million," reads the press release. 

The Customs Administration adds that on December 13, 2024, following a search order issued by the Resen-based Court, inspectors from the Control and Investigations Sector conducted a search of auxiliary premises used as a shop by a person identified by the initials S.T. from Resen. Approximately 259 kilograms of fine-cut tobacco were found during the search. Controls were also carried out at the city market, during which 100 kilograms of fine-cut tobacco were seized from a person identified by the initials R.N. from Resen.

In addition, following a search order issued by the Bitola-based Court, a search was carried out of auxiliary premises used as garages by a person identified by the initials Gj. K., during which approximately 283 kilograms of fine-cut tobacco were found. Also, during controls at the city market in Bitola, another 88 kilograms of fine-cut tobacco were seized from the same person, as well as an additional 49 kilograms of fine-cut tobacco from a person identified by the initials T.N.

Photo: Customs Administration