Kosovo authorities have seized 22 vehicles and suspected smuggled goods with a customs value exceeding €200,000 during an operation in northern Kosovo. The confiscated goods included food, beverages, cigarettes, medicines and clothing. Meanwhile, 504 live birds found without proof of origin or veterinary health certificates were destroyed due to the potential risk to public health.
The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Basic Prosecution Office in Mitrovica, the Kosovo Police, including its Regional Investigations Sector and units of the North Mitrovica Regional Police Directorate, the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA) and Kosovo Customs.
Joint Statement by the Basic Prosecution Office in Mitrovica and the Kosovo Police
Mitrovica, October 22, 2026 — The Basic Prosecution Office in Mitrovica announced that, following several months of intensive investigations and the implementation of special investigative measures, authorities had uncovered and disrupted suspected smuggling activities involving goods brought from the Republic of Serbia into the Republic of Kosovo through illegal routes in remote mountainous areas of northern Kosovo, bypassing customs controls.
The investigations began in April 2026. On the order of the State Prosecutor and in accordance with Article 86, paragraph 1, of the Criminal Procedure Code, special investigative measures have been in place since April 24, 2026. The measures were carried out by the Kosovo Police in continuous coordination with the prosecution, Kosovo Customs and the Kosovo Intelligence Agency.
These measures enabled authorities to identify illegal routes and locations used to bring goods into Kosovo, identify the individuals and vehicles involved, track shipments to the locations where goods were unloaded and stored, and document the suspected activities. The evidence gathered provided the basis for coordinated field operations and the seizure of goods and vehicles.
More Than 20 Operations Conducted Between May and September
During the investigation, authorities identified illegal routes used to transport goods into Kosovo, as well as rented premises where the goods were unloaded and stored before being distributed to the market.
Between May and September 2026, more than 20 operations were conducted in border areas and settlements across the municipalities of Zubin Potok, Zvečan, Leposavić and North Mitrovica.
Investigators found that vehicles used in the suspected smuggling activities had, in most cases, been modified for this purpose by removing their rear seats. Drivers would reportedly abandon their vehicles and flee when they noticed police officers nearby.
The investigation aimed to prevent goods that had bypassed import regulations and customs clearance procedures — including food products, medicines and beverages — from reaching consumers without first undergoing inspection by the competent authorities.
Authorities warned that the origin, storage conditions, transportation methods and expiry dates of these goods were unknown, potentially posing a direct risk to public health. The suspected activities also caused losses to the state budget and undermined businesses operating in compliance with the law.
Suspected Smuggling Worth More Than €200,000
The case is being investigated on suspicion of the criminal offences of “Smuggling of Goods,” under Article 311, and “Prohibited Trade,” under Article 299 of Kosovo’s Criminal Code. Suspected individuals have been identified, and criminal proceedings against them are ongoing.
During the coordinated operation carried out on October 22, authorities conducted searches at several locations to secure further evidence and locate suspected smuggled goods.
Across the operations, including the latest one, authorities seized 22 vehicles, including trucks, vans, SUVs and passenger cars, as well as goods with a customs value exceeding €200,000, excluding taxes and other duties.
The seized goods primarily included:
- Food products
- Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and energy drinks
- Cigarettes and medicines without the required tax stamps
- Hygiene products
- Textiles and clothing bearing protected trademarks without the necessary authorisation or licence
In one location, authorities discovered 504 live birds without proof of origin or veterinary health certificates. Following a decision by a veterinary inspector, the birds were destroyed because of the potential risk to human health.
Investigation Nears Completion
The prosecution said the investigation is in its final stages. After assessing all the evidence collected, the State Prosecutor will make the appropriate decisions within the deadlines established by law.
The Basic Prosecution Office in Mitrovica stated that, in close cooperation with the Kosovo Police, Kosovo Customs and other law enforcement institutions, it remains committed to combating smuggling and economic crime, protecting public health and safety, strengthening the rule of law and bringing those suspected of breaking the law to justice.
