Bosnian Police Arrest High-Ranking Officials in Major Drug Cartel Bust

In a significant police operation codenamed 'Black guy 2', authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have arrested several high-profile individuals, including top police officials and a prominent businessman, for their alleged ties to the notorious 'Tito and Dino' drug cartel. The operation, carried out by the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina with support from international agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and Europol, targeted associates of Edin Gačanin, known as 'Tito', the biggest Balkan drug lord.

Among those arrested are Mustafa Selmanović, the head of the Special Police of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FUP), Gordan Memija, a well-known Sarajevo businessman, and other FUP specialists and former members who previously guarded Gačanin. The suspects are believed to be involved in organized crime, unauthorized trafficking of narcotics, money laundering, and other related criminal offenses. Evidence gathered from encrypted communication apps played a critical role in the investigation.

Why this matters: The arrests of high-ranking police officials and their alleged connections to a major drug cartel highlight the pervasive issue of corruption and the involvement of organized crime with state authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This operation represents a significant step in combating the influence of powerful drug lords and dismantling their networks within law enforcement institutions.

Edin Gačanin, the leader of the 'Tito and Dino' cartel, had previously made a deal with the Prosecutor's Office in the Netherlands in November 2022, receiving a seven-year prison sentence and a fine of one million euros for drug smuggling. Gačanin, a Dutch citizen, has been on the American 'blacklist' since March 2022, with members of his family and friends from Bosnia and Herzegovina also included in his cartel.

The ongoing investigation is expected to expand to Republika Srpska, indicating the far-reaching influence of the drug cartel. "The operation was carried out by the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with support from the FBI, DEA, and Europol," a statement from the authorities confirmed. The arrests of Bosnian police officers in this case emphasize the persistent problem of corruption and the ties between organized crime and state officials in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Bosnian police arrested senior officials, businessmen for ties to 'Tito and Dino' drug cartel
• Operation involved international agencies like FBI, DEA, Europol to target organized crime
• Arrests highlight corruption and organized crime's influence on state authorities in Bosnia
• Cartel leader Edin Gačanin received 7-year sentence in Netherlands for drug smuggling
• Investigation expected to expand to Republika Srpska, indicating cartel's wide-reaching influence