# North Macedonia drug crackdown expands > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-drug-crackdown > Updated: 2026-08-18T12:17:45.000Z. Sources: 72. Developments: 7. Following the 14 August international operation in Thessaloniki, investigations have deepened into the smuggling plot involving 324 kilograms of marijuana. The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption is investigating a Macedonian citizen who allegedly used a truck intended for transporting recycled paper to move narcotics through Bulgaria and into Greece. Prosecutors state the suspect diverted the vehicle to a rented lot in Thessaloniki to coordinate hiding drugs within paper bales. While two suspects were detained in Greece, the Macedonian national remains under investigation due to “risks of flight or interference with witnesses”. In a separate development, a major seizure in Serbia involving five tons of marijuana has exposed a smuggling ring linked to medical cannabis producers in North Macedonia. The investigation has focused on the Skopje-based Alfafarm Group, where authorities seized an additional 10 tons of marijuana and over 1,300 bottles of cannabis oil. The scheme reportedly involved disguising narcotics as legitimate medical supplies or concealing them within items such as pillows, bedding, or cakes to bypass customs. Two suspects have pleaded guilty, and the investigation has expanded to include seven more individuals. This case has prompted a broader inquiry in North Macedonia, with raids conducted at over 40 licensed medical cannabis production companies to track illegal stocks. ## Claims - Police seized 324 kilograms and 474 grams of raw cannabis. (disputed by 24 sources) - Authorities seized 324 kilograms of marijuana. (disputed by 2 sources) - Greek police dismantled an international criminal organization in Thessaloniki. (corroborated by 24 sources) - Two foreign nationals, aged 58 and 43, were arrested. (corroborated by 22 sources) - A third identified individual is currently wanted by authorities. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The drugs were hidden in specially designed compartments within recyclable paper loads. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The operation was conducted in cooperation with authorities from North Macedonia and Kosovo. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The organization transported raw cannabis from Albania to Turkey via Greece. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The estimated illegal profit from the operation was over 700,000 euros. (corroborated by 11 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Serbia drug seizure exposes North Macedonian cannabis smuggling ring A major drug seizure in Serbia involving five tons of marijuana has exposed a smuggling ring linked to North Macedonian medical cannabis companies, including the Alfafarm Group. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-drug-seizure-exposes-north-macedonian-cannabis-smuggling-ring ### 2026-08-16: Macedonian citizen investigated in 324 kg marijuana smuggling plot A Macedonian national is under investigation for allegedly organizing the smuggling of 324 kg of marijuana hidden in recycled paper shipments through Bulgaria to Greece. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonian-citizen-investigated-in-324-kg-marijuana-smuggling-plot ### 2026-08-14: Thessaloniki police dismantle international cannabis trafficking network Greek police dismantled an international drug ring in Thessaloniki, seizing over 324 kg of cannabis hidden in paper recycling loads destined for Turkey from Albania. 65 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-in-greece-north-macedonia-and-kosovo-dismantle-drug-trafficking-group ### 2026-08-10: Štip police arrest three in drug trafficking operation Three people were arrested in Štip, North Macedonia, after police seized marijuana, a white powdery substance, and various drug paraphernalia during a targeted trafficking operation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tip-police-arrest-three-in-drug-trafficking-operation ### 2026-07-30: Macedonia's Drug Task Force Seizes 43 kg Marijuana, Arrests 241 in First Month Macedonia's Drug Task Force seized 43 kg marijuana and other drugs, detained 241 people, and halted a 25 kg smuggling attempt at the Deve Bair crossing in its first month. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonias-drug-task-force-seizes-43-kg-marijuana-arrests-241-in-first-month ### 2026-07-25: North Macedonia police seize drugs, arrest five suspects North Macedonia police arrested five suspects and seized marijuana, cocaine and other contraband in operations across Skopje, Kumanovo and Strumica. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-police-seize-drugs-arrest-five-suspects ### 2026-07-11: Macedonia police detain 12 people in drug raids across Skopje and border towns Macedonian police arrested 12 people in drug raids across Skopje, Tabankovce border crossing, Prilep, Negotino and Debar after finding marijuana and other substances on 10–11 July 2026. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-police-detain-12-people-in-drug-raids-across-skopje-and-border-towns --- Cite as: North Macedonia drug crackdown expands. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-drug-crackdown