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9 clusters · 69 sources · 62 days · First seen · Last updated

Police enforcement in Western Macedonia and surrounding-Balk

Overview

Police enforcement operations in the Western Macedonia region and surrounding Balkan areas have expanded significantly, particularly regarding narcotics and organized crime. In Greece, enforcement has addressed traffic violations, drug possession, animal welfare, and organized vehicle thefts. In September 2026, Greek authorities conducted significant arrests in Trikala and Peristeri involving cannabis, cocaine, crack cocaine, firearms, and counterfeit currency. In Thessaloniki, Evros, and Kastoria, police intercepted individuals involved in the illegal transport of migrants toward England and Belgium. In North Macedonia, law enforcement activities have intensified through the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ (MIA) ‘Cleaner’ (or ‘Pastruesi’) initiative. Since September 2024, this nationwide campaign has targeted violent crime, illegal drug trafficking, and cross-border criminal activities. As of early October 2026, the operation resulted in the arrest of 5,628 individuals and the filing of 1,135 criminal charges, with 1,047 related to illegal drug trafficking. The MIA has conducted over 1,100 searches and 158,000 checks on persons and vehicles, seizing large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA while disrupting trafficking channels at the Tabanovce, Deve Bair, and Star Dojran border crossings. Recent operations in late October 2026 have focused on large-scale narcotics discrepancies and raids. In Strumica, authorities discovered a shortage of 7,813.49 kilograms of dried medical cannabis at a facility in Borisovo, Novo Selo. Criminal charges were filed against the legal entity and its manager, V. K., for alleged violations of the Law on Control of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. On October 30 and 31, police conducted raids in Skopje, Prilep, Demir Kapija, Bogovinje, and Štip, arresting 13 individuals and seizing marijuana, various tablets, and unidentified white powders. In Skopje, nine individuals were detained following the discovery of marijuana and white powder or granular substances. In Prilep, prison police discovered powder and colored tablets during an inspection of a convicted individual.

Entities

Ministry of Internal Affairs · Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia · North Macedonia · Skopje · Prilep

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 10 sources
    North Macedonia police arrest 13 people in multi-city drug operations

    North Macedonian police arrested 13 people across Skopje, Prilep, Štip, and other regions during drug enforcement operations on October 30 and 31, seizing marijuana, powders, and tablets.

  2. [CRIME] 6 sources
    North Macedonia police report 7.8 tons of missing medical cannabis

    Police in North Macedonia discovered a shortage of over 7.8 tons of medical cannabis at a facility in Novo Selo, leading to criminal charges against the company and its manager.

  3. [CRIME] 4 sources
    North Macedonia police conduct inspections of 66 venues and casinos

    North Macedonian police inspected 66 hospitality venues and casinos, uncovering illegal gambling, alcohol service to minors, unlicensed security, and various regulatory violations.

  4. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    North Macedonia Ministry of Internal Affairs ranks among most transparent

    North Macedonia's Ministry of Internal Affairs improved its openness score to 75.90% in the 2026 Openness Index, ranking second among ministries.

  5. [CRIME] 5 sources
    North Macedonia customs dismantle drug ring with 79 kg marijuana seizure

    North Macedonian authorities dismantled an international drug trafficking group, seizing 79 kg of marijuana at the Dojran border crossing. Five people were detained in the operation.

  6. [CRIME] 20 sources
    North Macedonia police action 'Cleaner' results in over 5,600 arrests

    North Macedonia's 'Cleaner' police operation has resulted in over 5,600 arrests and 1,135 criminal charges since September 2024, targeting drug trafficking and violent crime.

  7. [CRIME] 7 sources
    North Macedonia police arrest 19 in multi-location drug bust

    Police in North Macedonia arrested 19 people in Skopje and Tetovo during a large-scale drug bust involving the seizure of marijuana, methadone, and various powders.

  8. [CRIME] 27 sources
    Police in Greece and North Macedonia conduct widespread criminal crackdown

    Police in Greece and North Macedonia conducted extensive operations resulting in numerous arrests for drug trafficking, illegal migrant transport, and serious traffic violations.

  9. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Kozani police arrest two drivers for operating vehicles without licenses

    Two men, aged 19 and 29, were arrested in Kozani for driving without licenses, including one individual who attempted to flee on foot after abandoning a motorcycle.

Sources

360stepeni.mk · a1on.mk · alfa.mk · almakos.com · anagnostis.org · athina984.gr · brif.mk · burgasmedia.com · businessdaily.gr · capital.gr · centar.mk · dialogos.com.cy · e-ptolemeos.gr · ertnews.gr · expres.mk · gazeta.mk · insider.gr · javanews.al · kavalanews.gr · larissapress.gr · lawandorder.gr · libertas.mk · lideri.mk · lokalno.mk · lykavitos.gr · makpress.mk · nacionalno.mk · naftemporiki.gr · nezavisen.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk · novini247.com · ntv.al · ohridsky.com · opserver.mk · pelop.gr · politika.rs · portalb.mk · press24.mk · protothema.gr · prv.mk · racin.mk · rdnews.al · reader.gr · resetka.rs · shenja.tv · sigmalive.com · skopje1.mk · skopjeinfo.mk

This summary has been updated 20 times: see revision history