The destruction of confiscated tobacco in the Port of Bar Free Zone has begun, announced today Momo Koprivica, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Montenegro for the Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption.
"The contractor is Deponija doo, a state-owned company. The destruction is carried out with a modern industrial crusher, on site and under video surveillance, with the control participation of teams and a commission made up of domestic customs and police officers, and HMRC representatives. The destruction is carried out in a credible and well-organized manner and after a tobacco inventory has been conducted. With this attack on tobacco smuggling, we have struck at the heart of the Montenegrin underworld. Tobacco has been the oxygen of organized crime for years and has significantly contributed to the development of crime," Koprivica pointed out in a statement.
He added that those who controlled tobacco smuggling also controlled money flows, influence, and even politics, unfortunately, for decades.
"Today, every box of tobacco seized and destroyed means less money for the mafia, more security for citizens and more money for the budget. With this action, we have sent a message that the mafia no longer has the logistical support of the system. Tobacco was the scent of the underworld, and now it is the ashes of crime. While tobacco was once a shield for criminals, today it is proof of their weakness, thanks to the decisive and uncompromising action of the Government of Montenegro," said Koprivica.
He said that he would like to take this opportunity to thank the United Kingdom Government for its continued support in this process.
"The British Embassy in Podgorica and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have provided significant legal and operational support during the census, and now during the destruction of seized tobacco. Their contribution has been crucial in establishing a methodology that ensures transparency and credibility," said Koprivica.
He said that he would also like to thank Prime Minister Milojko Spajić for his full and strong support for this process, as well as the trust shown, as well as the Customs Administration, which has shouldered the brunt of the work with dedication and responsibility, the relevant Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Interior and the Police Administration, as well as the ANB, which are constantly contributing to the process with dedication.
"Everyone has shown patriotic responsibility in the implementation of this state task of exceptional importance," said Koprivica.
On Sunday, in the show Sunday in the rearview mirror on Television Vijesti, he said that the cigarettes seized in the Free Zone of the Port of Bar will not be transported, but will be destroyed on site under video surveillance, using industrial crushers, for the sake of legal security.
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