A joint operation by the Kosovo Customs and the Kosovo Police has resulted in the detention of three suspected persons. It also led to the seizure of goods with a market value preliminarily estimated at over 10,000 euros. The operation took place in the village of Korminjan in the Municipality of Ranillug, as part of anti-smuggling efforts in Ranillug.
The final value of the goods will be determined by the competent authorities after the relevant assessment procedures, the institutions announced. The operation was carried out under the Operational Plan “Operational Readiness 2026”. It involved the Task Force Unit, composed of Kosovo Customs and Kosovo Police.
It also included the Regional Border Directorate – South. According to the announcement, relying on operational information and in cooperation with police units, they intervened quickly and in a coordinated manner. After intensive surveillance and the setting up of two police ambushes, the operational units identified and stopped three Rakovica-type tractors.
The vehicles had improvised trailers and did not carry registration plates. They are suspected of having entered illegally from Serbia, from the direction of the village of Konçul, using mountain and alternative roads toward Korminjan. The three detained persons are of Serbian nationality and citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
They are suspected of being involved in smuggling goods across the border line. A detailed inspection of the vehicles led to the discovery and seizure of the following goods: 144 crates of beer of the brands Heineken, Tuborg and Zaječarsko; 2 large network switches (MikroTik); 5 medium network switches (MikroTik).
In addition to the goods, the three tractors along with the trailers used to transport the goods suspected of being smuggled were also seized during the operation. Operational and procedural actions were carried out in full coordination with the competent prosecutor. The handling and investigation of the case is being undertaken by the Regional Investigation Unit of the Regional Border Directorate – South.
Kosovo Customs and the Kosovo Police say they remain determined and uncompromising in preventing and combating smuggling, cross-border crime and other illegal activities that undermine the security, legal order and economic interests of the Republic of Kosovo. According to the institutions, such operations demonstrate their commitment and continuous readiness for effective monitoring and control of the state border, as well as the importance of inter-institutional cooperation against cross-border crime.