Haris Monić, a citizen of both Montenegro and the Netherlands, was arrested yesterday in Montenegro. According to Europol, Monić was a key figure in an international "super cartel" based in the Balkans that was responsible for the shipment of tons of cocaine from South America to European ports.
The arrest was made following suspicions of international drug trafficking. Monić is accused of creating a criminal organization and multiple criminal activities, including unauthorized production, possession, and distribution of narcotics on an international scale.
The suspect has reportedly been under surveillance for days by the Montenegrin State Security Service and Special Police Unit, in collaboration with international partners. After the interrogation, Monić was placed in pre-trial detention.
Longtime Player, Target of Interpol
Due to suspicions of being a key player in international cocaine trafficking for years, the Netherlands issued an international arrest warrant for Monić through Interpol. Several other European police forces have also shown interest in the case.
Monić is alleged to have been involved with other significant criminals from the former Yugoslavia, particularly from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to have been involved in the shipment of tons of cocaine from that region.
Strong Connections to South America
Europol reported in 2023 that the super cartel, with key members from the Balkans, had a significant role in international cocaine trafficking and had strong connections with criminal organizations in South America and Europe, controlling a third of the cocaine market in Europe.
Europol stated that the cartel had strengthened through numerous alliances and expansive drug networks with powerful European drug lords from Morocco, Ireland, and Italy. Despite recent arrests of key figures, the cartel has reduced its activities but split into smaller factions.
Plans to Build in Podgorica
The accused Monić, at the end of last year, became the owner of the firm "Growmax," registered in Montenegro for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings. The firm was established on November 26, 2025, with its headquarters in Lužnica, and Monić was registered as the owner and director of the company.
However, his company has not submitted a financial report for the past year.
This is a huge win for law enforcement, but we all know the drug trade is never truly over. The question is, who will fill the void left by Monić and his cartel? The game of cat and mouse continues, and we'll be watching closely.