Skopje, 3 March 2024 (MIA) - A public prosecutor from the Basic Prosecutor's Office for organized crime and corruption has launched an investigation against 10 persons for unlawful production and distribution of narcotics, the Public Prosecutor's Office said on Sunday.

Yesterday, police officers carried out a coordinated operation code-named "Chibuk" by searching locations in Strumica, Gevgelija, Demir Kapija, Struga, Prilep prison and its surrounding, detained eight persons in the process and found 13 bags containing close to 100kg of marijuana.

The operation is a result of a months-long pre-investigative procedure, which established that the suspects purchased, held, transported, sold and mediated in unlawful distribution of narcotics in period October 2023-March 2024.

The group sold large quantities of marijuana that was unlawfully obtained from unknown legal entities in Strumica, Demir Kapija, the Republic of Albania, and a Strumica-based legal entity for growing of aromatic and medicinal plants.

The prosecutor has filed a motion to the pre-trial judge for detention of eight persons, while the remaining two are currently serving sentences in the Prilep prison.

MIA file photo