Extensive police operation in Podgorica: searches and arrests at multiple locations; Europol: Leading member of cartel arrested

In an extensive police operation that has been underway since the early morning hours in the capital, police officers conducted searches at several locations, as part of intensified activities aimed at combating crime.

According to unofficial information, several people were detained during the operation and taken to the Podgorica Security Department, where their further processing is underway.

The action is being carried out by officers of the Podgorica Security Department, with the support of the Special Police Unit.

Europol announced that a leading member of the Balkan Cartel has been arrested in Montenegro.

"On 15 April 2026, Europol supported law enforcement authorities in Montenegro in conducting a major operation targeting a significant cell of the Balkan Cartel. Europol also supported law enforcement authorities in Germany in connection with an investigation targeting potential contacts. This action resulted in the arrest of twelve suspects (four in Germany), including a High Value Target (HVT) arrested in Montenegro," Europol said in a statement published on its website.

The investigation, which was supported by both Austrian and Spanish authorities, reportedly targeted a criminal network involved in large-scale international drug trafficking (cocaine and cannabis).

"The suspects, who reside in Montenegro and Germany, are believed to have had various roles within the criminal organization, from financiers to coordinators and logisticians," it said.

Europol added that judicial authorities in Montenegro have filed indictments against several suspects for their involvement in the trafficking of 2,7 tons of cocaine and 1,5 tons of cannabis between October 2024 and April 2026.

"The drugs were seized in 12 previous operations carried out in several countries of the European Union and South America. The network is believed to have used maritime and air routes, using shipping containers and other covert methods to transport the illegal substances. The criminal network is also suspected of smuggling cannabis into the EU from and through countries such as Albania, Thailand and the United States," the statement reads.