Skopje, 14 January 2024 (MIA) - Following an extensive investigation initiated last September by order of the public prosecutor's office, the police conducted raids Sunday at three locations, obtaining evidence that R.K. (45) from Skopje, who had previously been convicted and served a 15-year prison sentence for drug trafficking, was selling drugs to a larger number of individuals.

Evidence has been obtained pointing to the suspect's involvement in the procurement, repackaging, and resale of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. The prices for these illicit substances ranged from Mden 3,000 per package of cocaine to Mden 600-1,000 per package of heroin, with marijuana packages priced at Mden 600, the Interior Ministry said in a press release on Sunday.

In coordination with the Tiger special anti-terrorist unit, searches were conducted today at three locations in the Gazi Baba neighborhood in Skopje. The operation yielded discoveries of cocaine, three digital scales, and in a commercial establishment, 21 computers with monitors and gaming gear. Diverse computer equipment, valued at approximately €120,000, was also uncovered, raising suspicions of its acquisition using funds from drug sales, reads the press release.

After receiving the criminal report, the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Skopje will issue on Monday an order to initiate an investigative procedure against the suspect for crimes of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. A proposal for detention measures for the suspect will be submitted to the Skopje Criminal Court.

“During the proceedings, a financial investigation will be carried out against the suspect. If suspicions are confirmed that the discovered equipment, vehicles, and real estate were acquired with funds generated from the sale of narcotics, the Public Prosecutor's Office will initiate confiscation proceedings in accordance with legal provisions,” reads the press release.

Photo and video: Interior Ministry