Montenegro Targets Drug Traffickers as Political Party Reassesses Membership

Montenegro’s Vice Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Montenegro party, Aleksa Bečić, announced a significant crackdown on drug trafficking during a recent party gathering in Podgorica. He emphasized that individuals who were once considered untouchable are now being held accountable, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to organized crime.

During his speech, Bečić highlighted the extensive efforts being made against the tobacco mafia, citing a substantial operation led by the General Director of Police. “Many are being brought to justice today, those who just a few years ago were regarded as untouchable in Montenegro,” he stated to the assembled members.

The Democratic Montenegro party has been actively reassessing its membership as part of a broader initiative celebrating its ten-year anniversary. Over recent weeks, the party has visited numerous municipal and local organizations, culminating in a meeting at the Zagorič Local Committee on March 15, 2023. Bečić used this opportunity to distribute new membership cards and urged members to embrace both long-standing allies and new individuals who align with the party’s values.

Bečić reinforced the party’s commitment to combating all forms of criminal activity, including environmental crime. He expressed confidence in the ongoing processes intended to strengthen institutions and improve governance. “No form of crime has escaped our rigorous scrutiny,” he asserted, reiterating the importance of a decisive fight against crime and ongoing vetting processes.

The Vice Prime Minister also provided figures illustrating the scale of law enforcement efforts in recent years. He noted that authorities have filed approximately 2,500 criminal and misdemeanor charges against members of organized crime groups and other persons of interest. Additionally, around 42,000 various controls have been conducted, which included approximately 6,000 inspections of hospitality venues linked to these groups, alongside around 3,200 informational interviews carried out with relevant individuals.

Bečić’s remarks come at a time when Montenegro is grappling with the complex realities of organized crime and governance. His call for unity within the party aims to strengthen its foundations as it navigates the challenges ahead. As Montenegro continues to confront these issues, the Democratic Montenegro party positions itself as a key player in the ongoing battle against crime, advocating for transparent and responsible governance.