Last week, police in North Macedonia announced the seizure of 40 tons of cannabis, which is reported to be the largest quantity confiscated in the country's history. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 9 tons in the capital, Skopje, and an additional 31 tons in the eastern region of Strumica. This unprecedented seizure raises questions about the ongoing drug trade and the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region.

Interestingly, there have been no arrests related to this significant seizure as of yet, prompting speculation about potential connections and guilty parties. The ruling political party, VMRO-DPMNE, has claimed that the seized cannabis is linked to individuals close to former Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, a claim that has elicited a vehement denial from Zaev himself. He labeled the allegations as slanderous and called for the VMRO-DPMNE to retract their statements publicly, illustrating the intense political tensions that the drug seizure has exacerbated.

The implications of this event extend beyond law enforcement and into the political arena, where accusations and counter-accusations could impact upcoming elections and public trust in government institutions. If ties between organized crime and political figures are substantiated, it could signal a need for comprehensive reforms in both law enforcement practices and political accountability in North Macedonia.