Skopje, 7 August 2025 (MIA) - Four defendants, including Dancho Masev, Dimitar Trajkov, Vladimir Veselinovski and Branislav Zajkov, pleaded guilty at Thursday's hearing in the case dubbed 'Shtekli', related to organized drug sales in Skopje's Aerodrom settlement, and the court ordered separate trials. As regards the defendant Rade Trajkovski Shtekli, the court said psychiatric expert reports from the defense and the prosecution will be presented at the next hearing.

According to Judge Ilija Trpkov, regarding Trajkovski's mental state, the defense has submitted an expert report stating that Trajkovski suffers from a disorder with schizophrenic characteristics, has hallucinations and paranoid ideas, and is unable to follow the court proceedings.

The prosecution on the other hand has submitted a psychiatric expert report claiming that Trajkovski is capable of participating in the hearing.

The presiding judge then postponed the trial to September 3, announcing that experts from both sides will present their opinions at the next hearing, after which the Court would decide which expert opinion to give credence to, or order a new psychiatric examination if necessary.

The Prosecutor's Office for the Prosecution of Organized Crime filed an indictment against a total of 10 people, following an almost year-long investigation that included special investigative measures. Initially, 16 people were included, seven of whom have already entered into plea agreements and got prison sentences of 3 to 3.5 years.

According to the prosecution, the group was well-organized, with clearly defined roles - from purchasing to selling cocaine and marijuana. The drugs were stored in rented flats, and sold at prices ranging from Mden 4,500 to Mden 6,000 per gram of cocaine and Mden 200 to Mden 300 per gram of marijuana. Communication took place via the Snapchat app, and key evidence was provided through the Cellebrite mobile phone analysis system, a donation from the United States.

Photo: MIA