The inventory of seized tobacco was carried out at three locations, and all documentation, reports on the number of items, minutes, photo documentation - was duly submitted to the Special State Prosecutor's Office, said Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica.
The inventory, as he stated, was carried out in the Port of Bar (Paccorini warehouse, container and trucks in front of the customs office) and in Podgorica (Zetatrans and the associated customs warehouse).
"The census was conducted according to the methodology used by partner services and which is in line with international standards," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
He added that the inventory has a dual purpose: it represents a legal prerequisite for the destruction of cigarettes, but also fulfills the SDT's request for assistance in the investigation under Article 283 of the CPC.
"The previous government never complied with that same request. We responded responsibly to that request by establishing the Coordination Body and its dedicated work. Claims that destruction cannot be carried out without prior "determining the shortage" are not true. It is precisely the inventory that allows for the identification of any shortage - and it has already been conducted, documented and submitted to the prosecutor's office," the Koprivica statement reads.
He emphasized that the Decision on Destruction applies exclusively to cigarettes that are not covered by investigations, and that no box used as evidence in criminal proceedings will be destroyed, and this is clearly stated in the Decision.
"For the first time, the institutions are conducting this process thoroughly, legally and openly. Instead of spin and unfounded accusations, it would be useful for us all to contribute together to the fight against smuggling, not those who expose it."
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