The Republic of Srpska

The security situation in the Republic of Srpska in the first six months is stable and favourable, which was confirmed by the Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Mr Željko Budimir, and the Police Director, Mr Siniša Kostrešević, at today’s board meeting of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior held in Trebinje. 

The Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Mr Željko Budimir, said that the security situation in the Republic of Srpska was stable; although a 1.2 percent increase in the number of committing criminal offences was recorded, their clearance rate had simultaneously increased.

According to him, the clearance rate for criminal offences committed by unknown perpetrators was 78.5 %, while for known perpetrators, it had reached 92%. 

Minister Budimir emphasised that the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior placed a special emphasis on the fight against organised crime. 

He stated that the situation was more favourable regarding general crime, while illicit drug abuse remained a challenge. 

In addition, Minister Budimir pointed out that illicit drug abuse was on the rise, but that police results were also significant. This year, 78 kg of marijuana and skunk were seized, and intensive work was being performed to counter cocaine trafficking through operational actions. 

Referring to the activities against narcotics abuse, the Minister stated the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior implemented a large number of both international and domestic operational actions directed at countering drug trafficking and organised crime. 

The Republic of Srpska Police Director, Mr Siniša Kostrešević, emphasised that as a result of the dedicated work of police officers, significant results had been achieved in countering all forms of crime, maintaining public peace and order, ensuring traffic safety, and protecting citizens. 

Furthermore, Director Kostrešević said, "during the reporting period, 2,404 reports were submitted to the competent prosecutor's offices against 2,745 individuals based on the suspicion that they committed 3,001 criminal offences. I particularly want to emphasise that the overall clearance rate for criminal offences stands at a high 92.7%, which represents one of the most important indicators of efficiency." 

He emphasised that significant results were also achieved in the fight against illicit drug abuse.

 ‘’A total of 253 criminal offences were detected, representing an increase of 20.5%, 26 operational actions were implemented, three drug production laboratories were discovered, and more than 79 kilograms were seized,’’ Director Kostrešević said. 

In the field of economic crime, 326 crimes were detected, representing an increase of 44.2%. The estimated material damage amounts to around BAM 28.2 million, while the illicit financial gain is around BAM 26.5 million. These results demonstrate our commitment to confronting even the most complex forms of crime with equal determination. 

Regarding migration, an increase in the number of persons who illegally crossed the BiH border was recorded. Although the majority of migrants did not participate in committing criminal offences, the police recorded isolated cases of criminality, as well as multiple criminal offences of migrant smuggling, against whose organizers measures in accordance with the law were taken.

On the territory of the Republic of Srpska, around 501 migrants were registered (about 163.7% more) who had illegally crossed the BiH border. 

Today, the Republic of Srpska Police possesses state-of-the-art technical and information-communication equipment that enables faster and more efficient response to security challenges. We continue with the modernisation of the video surveillance system, improvement of information systems, and the procurement of new equipment, official vehicles, and specialized means since a modern police needs to keep up with the development of security threats. 

In his closing remarks, Director Kostrešević expressed his gratitude to all members of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior for their professional and responsible work.