Skopje, 8 March 2025 (MIA) - The United States is a strategic partner of the Republic of North Macedonia and will remain a strong supporter of the policies implemented by the Customs Administration. This was the key message from the visit of US Ambassador Angela Aggeler, head of the US Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section, Virginia Elliott, and Deputy Chief of the Office for Bilateral Military Cooperation Daniel Silver to the Customs Administration.

“I am here to express my gratitude and congratulations on the impressive results you have achieved in the last eight months. I extend my thanks to the customs officers at the borders who protect the citizens. The steps you are taking are vital for us, and even more so for your citizens and the security of the country. Furthermore, higher revenue collection means more resources for your citizens. We are your partners, your friends, and we will always be here for you,” Ambassador Aggeler said at the meeting with Customs Administration director Boban Nikolovski, deputy director Garip Kaba, and the team during her visit to the Customs Administration.

Director Nikolovski extended his sincere gratitude to the US Government for its ongoing support in strengthening the Customs Administration's capabilities.

“In the second half of 2024 alone, €1 billion were collected, which is nearly €65 million more than the same period last year. In January this year, revenue amounted to €148.5 million, which is €5.2 million higher than January last year, while in February, revenues reached €312.15 million, an increase of €9 million compared to last year,” Nikolovski noted.

As for the seizures, the Customs Administration director noted that 410 cases were reported in 2024, with 305 cases occurring during the second half of the year.

“By 2024, a total of 89 criminal charges have been submitted to the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office, with 69 of those filed in the second half of the year. We continue to work at an accelerated pace this year, achieving 74 seizures, and through the Sector for Control and Investigations, 35 criminal charges were filed for 69 individuals and 16 legal entities with the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office and the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and Corruption,” Nikolovski pointed out, especially emphasizing cases where serious crimes were uncovered and prevented.

He emphasized the importance of deepening the existing cooperation to achieve shared priorities for economic transformation through the implementation of effective trade policies and intensifying trade exchange, as well as combating transnational crime and corruption.

During the meeting, held as part of today's visit, Nikolovski informed that as a strategic NATO partner, the Customs Administration coordinates and communicates with the Army services to facilitate the import and quicker reception of armoured vehicles needed by the Army to strengthen its capacities and meet NATO obligations.

As part of the visit, the Ambassador and her team also visited the Customs Administration's Duty Operations Centre, where they were presented with the video surveillance system and the license plate recognition system, as well as the training centre utilizing advanced virtual digital technology.

Additionally, the US-donated equipment, which is used by the Customs mobile teams from the operational works division to uncover smuggling attempts, was presented. Demonstrations were also given by Customs dogs from the K9 unit, showcasing their skills in detecting weapons, drugs, and money.

The Ambassador congratulated the customs officers, inspectors in the mobile customs teams, and inspectors in the Sector for Control and Investigations for their dedicated efforts in preventing any criminal attempts.

Photo: Customs Administration