Mustafa Dauti: In two years, Customs has seized around 400 kg of drugs, 5 kg of gold and more than 2 million euros

The deputy director of the Customs Administration of North Macedonia, Mustafa Dauti, was a guest on the “PodGo” program, where he spoke about the work of customs officers, working conditions and the goods most often targeted for smuggling.

According to Dauti, the institution is operating with a high level of commitment and seriousness, describing this as one of Customs’ most efficient periods.

Over the past two years, Customs has seized around 400 kilograms of drugs, approximately 5 kilograms of gold and more than 2 million euros in cash. More than 50,000 medicines have also been confiscated.

Dauti said that the increased inspections are aimed at protecting citizens and businesses. In addition to inspections at border crossing points, a mobile unit is also operating in the field, carrying out unannounced checks on the roads.

Among the products most frequently smuggled, he mentioned drugs, gold, cigarettes, medicines and various textile goods. He added that Customs pays particular attention to preventing low-quality products from entering the market, while the institution’s experts verify their standards in order to protect people’s health.

The seized money is sent to the National Bank, while drugs and weapons are handed over to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where they are subsequently destroyed. “We are working with dedication and seriousness because everything is in the interest of the state and its citizens. I believe that the seizure of more than 50,000 medicines and the other quantities confiscated is no small matter,” Dauti said.

Asked about the procedure for importing vehicles, the deputy director explained that Customs uses a special platform where all the vehicle’s data are registered. Once the vehicle is presented at customs terminals, the system automatically determines the amount that must be paid.

He stressed that the new system does not allow manipulation, as checks are in place to verify whether the same vehicle has been cleared through customs at the same price. Dauti added that there have been countless cases of abuses committed in the past that were referred to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Regarding online orders from abroad, Dauti said that foreign companies pay taxes to the state. He explained that the law on these orders changed in December last year: previously, there were no obligations for shipments worth up to 22 euros, whereas now VAT must be paid on products worth up to 90 euros. For values above 90 euros, customs duty also applies; it is included in the price of the product and is not paid separately by citizens.

Dauti also announced that customs officers in North Macedonia receive training both inside and outside the country, in cooperation with foreign organizations./Telegrafi/