Global arrest warrant for drug trafficking suspect who escaped custody in Kočan

Authorities have activated an international arrest warrant for Aleksandar Lazarov, 41, from Kočani, son of Metodi and Darinka. This action follows his escape from the Kočani Police Station.

The warrant, issued at central and international level, was requested by the Basic Court of Kočani. It relates to a criminal offense under Article 215, paragraph 1, in conjunction with Article 22 of the Criminal Code.

Lazarov was initially detained after a white powdery substance was found in the car he was traveling in. However, while being held for questioning, he managed to run away from the police premises.

Referring to the official police bulletin, the incident occurred on July 9, 2026, around 23:55, at the entrance to the village of Istibanja, located in Vinica Municipality. At that moment, police forces from the Kočani Police Department, Delčevo Police Department, and the Kamenica Unit had stopped Lazarov and another citizen, identified as J.J. (25), for a check.

During the inspection of a “Subaru” with Kočani license plates, driven by J.J. and with Lazarov as a passenger, officers found and seized a quantity of white powdery substance.

The Ministry of Interior issued an official confirmation the following day, announcing his escape. “On July 10, at 20:35, the person A.L., who had previously been deprived of liberty on suspicion of committing this criminal offense, opened a window of a room and fled the Kočani Police Station,” the MoI statement read.