Bosnia and Herzegovina: Arrests Disrupt Suspected Tuzla Drug Ring

Published: 02 February 2015

Tuzla municipality

By Igor Spaic

Six have been arrested in raids on 17 locations in the Tuzla area of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second round of an investigation into drug trafficking.

On Monday, Bosnian authorities searched properties in the northeastern towns of Tuzla, Lukavac, Kalesija, Gradacac and Gracanica. They seized 200 grams of amphetamine, two small packages of marijuana, and an undisclosed number of ecstasy pills, together with two automatic weapons, three handguns, and about 60 rounds of ammunition.

Police said they had also found what they believed were stolen items – two drills, a chainsaw, and other construction tools. The suspects are being questioned by Tuzla police, and prosecutors are expected to request detention for one suspect.

According to Tuzla police, the arrests are linked to an operation on Jan. 31, when authorities arrested two people in the town of Celic who are suspected of producing and distributing drugs. In their car, authorities found 1.2 kilos of marijuana.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, government institutions do not publish names of suspects until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.