Montenegro has finally shown its teeth to tobacco smugglers! Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica, along with British Ambassador Donna Meken and EU representatives, visited the warehouse in the free zone of the Port of Bar where seized tobacco is being destroyed. In just 13 working days, the destruction process is proceeding according to plan, sending a clear message: Montenegro is no longer a soft spot for smugglers!
This is not just a technical process but a strong political will to tackle the tobacco mafia that has ruled the country for years. Destroying tobacco is not just symbolic – it’s a fight for the rule of law and restoring citizens’ trust. So far, about a ton or 21,000 packs of tobacco have been destroyed, all under strict supervision with modern shredders and video surveillance.
British Ambassador Meken praised the transparency and credibility of the process, while the EU continues to strongly support Montenegro in fighting organized crime. Customs and police work around the clock, and destroying tobacco protects the legitimate economy and brings excise revenue to the budget.
Aleksandar Božović, executive director of the Podgorica landfill, explained how the tobacco is ground and mixed with other waste, making it unusable and unrecognizable. This process sends a clear message: no one is above the law, and the grey and black markets will no longer enjoy privileges.
This is a turning point in the fight against the tobacco mafia in Montenegro. If you think smuggling is just a paper problem, think again – the state is ready to confront crime and prove that the law applies to everyone. What do you think, will this determination really change things or is it just another show for the public? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
