The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is ready to continue supporting Montenegro in implementing reforms and strengthening institutional capacities, through the implementation of joint activities and initiatives of mutual importance, said UNODC Regional Representative Danilo Rici.
As announced by the Government, he met with the Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption, Momo Koprivica.
Koprivica thanked UNODC for the continued support that the organization provides to Montenegro in strengthening the rule of law, improving institutional capacities, and implementing activities in the field of combating corruption and organized crime.
"He emphasized that thanks to the measures taken to prevent smuggling and the destruction of 138 packages of cigarettes in a single procedure, credibly conducted, with the participation of partner services, constant video surveillance and coordination of multiple institutions, they sent a strong message of zero tolerance towards cigarette smuggling," the statement said.
The statement states that the prosecutor's office's activities have prosecuted all organized criminal groups that were involved in cigarette smuggling.
It is added that the latest study by KPMG on the illegal tobacco market in Europe, conducted on behalf of Philip Morris International, indicates that Montenegro recorded the lowest level of illegal cigarette consumption last year since that market has been monitored, a decrease of 4,6 percentage points compared to 2024.
"Rici emphasized UNODC's readiness to continue to provide support to Montenegro in implementing reforms and strengthening institutional capacities, through the implementation of joint activities and initiatives of mutual importance," the Government said.
As they stated, the interlocutors agreed that continued cooperation between the Government and UNODC is particularly important, especially in areas that contribute to improving the system of prevention and fight against corruption, strengthening judicial institutions, and achieving common goals in the area of the rule of law.
"The importance of UNODC's continued support in improving control mechanisms and responsible organization of games of chance, as well as providing support to prevention programs, was particularly emphasized, with the aim of protecting citizens, especially young people, and strengthening a responsible approach in this area," the statement said.
It is stated that Koprivica informed UNODC representatives about the comprehensive activities of the competent authorities regarding the introduction of order in the field of games of chance, the removal of illegal terminals from catering establishments and the strengthening of supervision.
"This led to the prosecution of several individuals responsible for abuses, as well as an increase in budget revenues, which last year reached a record level of 43 million euros, while in 2023 they amounted to 22 million euros, and in previous years only 12 million euros, which indicates that the state's losses were once enormous," the statement said.
The Government added that this is a consequence of new, stricter legislation, prevention of abuses, and strengthened supervision.
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