BREAKING: The Supreme Court of Montenegro has just announced the extension of detention for three suspects, Nikola Popović, Goran Orbović, and Darko Purović, until June 16, 2026. This decision comes amid serious allegations of forming a criminal organization and smuggling untaxed cigarettes.
The court’s ruling follows a proposal from the Special State Prosecutor’s Office, emphasizing the risk of the suspects fleeing justice. Authorities confirmed that the extension is critical due to substantial evidence linking the trio to a criminal network operating not just in Montenegro, but also in neighboring countries.
According to the court’s statement, the evidence indicates that these individuals played distinct, pre-assigned roles in a comprehensive plan involving the procurement, transport, concealment, and sale of smuggled cigarettes, all while evading customs controls. This organized crime operation aimed at generating unlawful profits poses a significant threat to the local economy and public safety.
The suspects were initially detained on December 18, 2025, following a decision by the investigative judge of the Higher Court in Podgorica. Their detention was first extended on January 15, 2026, reflecting the ongoing investigation’s complexity and the severity of the charges.
As authorities continue to gather evidence, the situation remains fluid. Legal experts are closely monitoring developments in the case, as the implications could extend beyond these three individuals, potentially unraveling a larger network involved in similar illegal activities.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The focus on the fight against organized crime in Montenegro has never been more pressing, and these proceedings are crucial in determining the future of law enforcement efforts in the region.
