DPM Momo Koprivica addresses destruction of a record quantity of tobacco

Through the final phase of the destruction of seized smuggled tobacco, we have once again demonstrated that the Government’s and the state’s fight against smuggling is real and substantive, and that it is evidenced by the quantities of smuggled tobacco destroyed, dismantled criminal networks, and initiated criminal proceedings, said Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica.

Following precise and comprehensive identification, as well as the separation of tobacco products confiscated in administrative proceedings by the Customs Administration from those serving as evidence in judicial proceedings, the destruction of seized smuggled tobacco was carried out in the Free Zone of the Port of Bar and at the Zetatrans warehouse in Podgorica. On this occasion, 8,227 cigarette packages, 105 cartons of cigarettes, and 262 kg of cut tobacco were destroyed. The value of this tobacco on the black market could have exceeded EUR 10 million, making this yet another strong blow to organized crime involved in cigarette smuggling, Koprivica stated.

He recalled that in the period from 23 June to 16 September 2025, a total of 130,003 cigarette packages (equivalent to 1,326,330,000 cigarettes), 526 packages of cut tobacco, 1,134 packages of shisha tobacco, and 6 packages of electronic cigarettes were destroyed.

Accordingly, a total of 138,230 cigarette packages were destroyed in this procedure, based on the Government Decision on the Destruction of Tobacco Products, which represents a record quantity destroyed in a single procedure in Europe. This also constitutes, among other things, the first fully implemented obligation under negotiation Chapters 23 and 24, Koprivica pointed out.

The Deputy Prime Minister further noted that the destruction was carried out in accordance with a comprehensive methodology, the development of which was supported by expert assistance from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom.

The entire destruction process, as well as the first phase carried out during the summer, was continuously recorded in order to ensure full transparency and credibility, and the hard drive containing this video material is stored within the Customs Administration as part of the official documentation. The final phase of the destruction process was fully monitored on site by the EUROL 4 monitoring mission. At every stage of the destruction process, in addition to the contractor’s employees, officials of the Customs Administration and the Police Directorate were present, while the National Security Agency undertook measures and actions within its remit in a credible manner, Koprivica stated.

He emphasized that in this way the integrity of the process was fully safeguarded, effective control ensured, and even the smallest risks of abuse eliminated, while also confirming the credibility and reputation of the Government and the State.

The destruction was carried out by the state-owned company Deponija, using modern industrial shredders, and the destruction and disposal were conducted in full compliance with the highest environmental standards. The company was selected to perform this highly important state task in accordance with the Public Procurement Law, Koprivica emphasized.

In this final phase, based on the detailed and responsible work of the Working Group composed of representatives of the Customs Administration, the Special State Prosecutor’s Office, and the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Bar, tobacco products serving as evidence in criminal proceedings were precisely identified and separated from those confiscated in administrative proceedings. The Government defined measures to ensure strict compliance with legal procedures and the protection and preservation of evidence in judicial proceedings.

On behalf of the Coordination Body, I would particularly like to note that it held 20 sessions and adopted more than 100 conclusions, guidelines and recommendations, thereby achieving successful coordination among the competent authorities involved in this process. I would especially highlight the contribution to efficiency made by the management and officers of the Customs Administration, who bore the greatest workload within their remit and carried it out efficiently and with dedication, as well as the commendable commitment and significant contribution of Police Directorate officers, Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica stressed.

As he noted, this procedure confirms the determination of the state that in the fight against smuggling there is no room for calculations or compromises, and that the law is applied without exception.

We have confirmed that smuggling no longer enjoys institutional protection and that we have fulfilled the objective that every seized package is destroyed and every criminal chain exposed. We can confidently say that the state has achieved its fundamental mission in this field: seized smuggled goods do not return to the market nor disappear through non-transparent procedures. Institutions no longer turn a blind eye, but act in a coordinated, transparent manner and in cooperation with partner services, restoring trust in the state and strengthening its reputation. This also sends a clear message to organized crime: the state is stronger, more resolute and more persistent, and laws are applied without selectivity. Finally, I would like to express special gratitude to the Embassy of the United Kingdom and HMRC, as well as to the EU Delegation in Podgorica and EUROL officers. Our cooperation is a confirmation of mutual trust and a shared commitment to common goals, concluded Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica.