ON ORDER OF THE PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE OF BIH, AN OPERATION TO COMBAT ILLICIT INTERNATIONAL TRAFFICKING IN WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES IS CARRIED OUT IN THE BANJA LUKA AREA

The operation is being carried out in cooperation with partner institutions of the Republic of Austria and it pertains to the smuggling of about 4.5 kilograms of very destructive explosives from the territory of BiH to the Republic of Austria.

On order of the Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, an extensive operation is being carried out in the area of Banja Luka. Police officers of the RS Ministry of Interior are taking part in it and an investigator of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH is in the field coordinating activities.

These are the activities that are carried in cooperation with partner institutions of the Republic of Austria and they relate to the prosecution of criminal offences of organised crime, illicit trafficking in weapons and military equipment and illicit trafficking in narcotics.

The target of the operation in the Banja Luka area is one suspect and searches are being carried out at a total of two locations. During the search, evidence relevant to the proceedings was found.

The investigation relates to the smuggling of about 4.5 kilograms of the destructive Nitropent explosive, together with detonating cords and remote activation mechanisms, including remote and sabotage detonators, which are often used in the execution of terrorist acts and criminal activities.

The explosive was smuggled to Austria where one person was prosecuted and sentenced to several years in prison, and the activities in BiH relate to a person who took part in the procurement, concealment and smuggling of the explosive from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Austria.

Small quantities of narcotic drugs were also smuggled.

Once the activities are completed, the suspects will be handed over to the prosecutor working on the case, who will decide on further activities in the case.