North Macedonia police dismantle organized crime group

North Macedonian police have dismantled an organized criminal group following raids on 36 locations across Prilep, Skopje, and Struga. The operation resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals, including 20 from Prilep and one from Skopje.

The group is accused of large-scale drug trafficking involving marijuana and cocaine, as well as money laundering. Authorities state the group operated with specialized roles, using illicit proceeds to purchase real estate and present the funds as legal income. Seized items include narcotics, weapons, ammunition, significant amounts of foreign currency, vehicles, motorcycles, and metal detectors.

Investigations suggest the group's activities expanded significantly over the last eight months. While much of the drug trade occurred within regional markets such as Prilep, Manastir, Kavadarc, and Veles, authorities also noted that members of the group were involved in criminal activities in tourist areas in Greece and Spain. Some weapons used by the group were reportedly sourced from Albania.