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

In a noteworthy development, Bosnian law enforcement authorities have arrested several high-profile individuals, including Mustafa Selmanović, the head of the Special Police of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and prominent Sarajevo businessman Gordan Memija. The arrests were part of a major police operation codenamed 'Black guy 2', targeting associates of Edin Gačanin, also known as 'Tito', who is considered the biggest Balkan drug lord.

The operation, carried out on the order of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, involved more than 15 suspects allegedly involved in organized crime, illegal drug trafficking, money laundering, and other related criminal offenses. Among those apprehended were members of law enforcement institutions, highlighting the pervasive web of ties between the state and organized crime in the country.

International support for the crackdown came from the FBI, DEA, and Europol, with evidence gathered from encrypted communication apps playing a vital role in the investigation. The arrests mark a meaningful step in combating the influence of Gačanin's drug cartel, known as 'Tito and Dino'. Gačanin himself recently reached an agreement with the Prosecutor's Office in the Netherlands, where he was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined one million euros for drug smuggling.

Why this matters: The high-profile arrests underscore the pervasive corruption and deep-rooted ties between organized crime and state institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The successful operation, with international support, represents a significant step towards dismantling powerful drug cartels and restoring public trust in law enforcement.

In total, 22 individuals were apprehended in the police operation, which is not the first time Bosnian authorities have had to arrest their own officers. "The suspects are connected to the criminal organization led by Edin Gačanin, which has been under investigation for unauthorized trade in large quantities of narcotics," stated a spokesperson for the Bosnian Prosecutor's Office. The arrests serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption and the influence of organized crime in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Bosnian police arrested senior officials, including police chief, in organized crime crackdown.
• Operation targeted associates of Edin Gačanin, a major Balkan drug lord, with international support.
• Arrests highlight deep ties between organized crime and state institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Gačanin recently sentenced to 7 years in prison and fined 1 million euros in the Netherlands.
• 22 individuals apprehended, including law enforcement officers, in the police operation.