Montenegro investigation stalls over missing medical substance

Authorities in Montenegro are facing questions regarding the whereabouts of a suspicious medical preparation used on two women who were hospitalized at the Clinical Center of Montenegro with symptoms of botulism.

The Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices (CInMED) has reported that it has neither received the substance for testing nor has it been granted access to the documentation regarding the seized product. While CInMED is responsible for determining if the substance is an original medication or a counterfeit, the investigation remains stalled.

The Basic State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica, which is leading the proceedings, has stated that the case is in the investigation phase and has not yet provided specific details regarding when the product will be sent for forensic analysis. The investigation involves Ukrainian citizen Julia Kushnarova, suspected of administering the treatments, and Drazen Lakicevic, who allegedly sold the preparation. A judge for investigation previously rejected proposals for supervisory measures against both suspects.