The Croatian State Prosecutor's Office (USKOK) has significantly expanded its investigation into a drug trafficking network, revealing new evidence that implicates individuals in the smuggling of over 138 kilograms of cocaine worth more than three million euros. This expansion follows initial reports from early January 2026, when USKOK launched an inquiry against seven suspects accused of transporting 127 kilograms of cocaine, 193 kilograms of marijuana, and 10 liters of amphetamine oil valued at over three million euros across several European countries. The latest developments indicate that two additional shipments of 11 kilograms of cocaine have been identified, bringing the total weight of cocaine transported to 138 kilograms.
According to the updated information, the alleged criminal organization was organized by Hrvoje Bertak, owner of a transportation company based in Dugog Selo. Bertak is believed to have coordinated the activities of multiple drivers, including employees of his company and other individuals, who concealed drugs within their trucks under the guise of legitimate freight transport. These illicit goods were then delivered to predetermined locations across Europe, including Croatia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. The operation allegedly took place between March 2020 and March 2021.
The investigation also uncovered that one of the suspects was a police officer who had illegally accessed data from the Ministry of Interior’s system. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting potential corruption within law enforcement. The involvement of a police officer raises questions about the integrity of internal security systems and how such breaches could have facilitated the smuggling operations.
As part of the expanded probe, USKOK has included three existing members of the group along with two newly identified individuals. The prosecution claims that the primary suspect, acting in collaboration with others, formed this network with the intent to gain financial benefit through the illegal distribution of narcotics. The secondary suspect reportedly engaged drivers—both employees of his company and external personnel—to carry out these illicit transports. The use of encrypted communication via an application called Sky played a crucial role in uncovering these additional shipments, as investigators managed to intercept messages that revealed further details about the drug trafficking activities.
Despite the significant amount of evidence gathered, USKOK has decided not to request investigative detention for the accused individuals. According to the authorities, there was insufficient basis to justify such measures at this stage of the investigation. Instead, the focus remains on gathering more evidence and building a solid case against all implicated parties.
The implications of this case extend beyond just the individuals directly involved in the smuggling. It highlights broader issues related to organized crime networks operating across borders and the challenges faced by national law enforcement agencies in combating such transnational activities. Additionally, the involvement of a police officer underscores concerns regarding internal security and the need for stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power and ensure transparency within public institutions.
As the investigation progresses, it will be important to monitor whether any new leads emerge that could lead to further arrests or convictions. The outcome of this case may influence future policies aimed at strengthening border controls, enhancing cooperation among international law enforcement bodies, and implementing reforms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
5 reports
Novi listIndependentCenter4 days agoThe Croatian police agency Uskok has expanded its investigation into a drug-smuggling group previously accused of transporting 127 kilograms of cocaine across Europe. The group, now believed to have transported an additional 138 kilograms of cocaine worth over €3.3 million, used trucks to smuggle drugs under the guise of legitimate cargo. According to unofficial reports, the group was organized by Hrvoje Bertak, owner of a transportation company based in Dugog Selo. Among those suspected is a police officer who allegedly illegally accessed data from the Ministry of Interior system. The investigation has been extended to include three existing members and two new individuals. Despite the serious allegations, the court did not recommend placing any suspects in investigative detention due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about an ongoing criminal investigation without overtly favoring any side. It includes details from law enforcement and mentions potential involvement of a police officer, but does not take a stance or use biased language.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenter4 days agoThe Croatian police agency USKOK has expanded an investigation into a drug-smuggling group previously accused of transporting 127 kilograms of cocaine across Europe. The group is now suspected of having transported an additional 138 kilograms of cocaine worth over 3.3 million euros, along with other drugs such as marijuana and amphetamine oil. According to unofficial reports, the group was organized by the owner of a transportation company from Dugog Selo, Hrvoje Bertak, and included a police officer who illegally accessed data from the Ministry of Interior system. The investigation now includes three former members and two new individuals. The suspects allegedly used trucks to smuggle drugs under the guise of legitimate cargo transport and delivered them to predetermined locations. However, after examining the evidence, prosecutors have not recommended placing any of the suspects in investigative detention due to insufficient grounds.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a criminal investigation involving drug smuggling and does not exhibit clear ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. It focuses on the actions of law enforcement and the alleged activities of a criminal group without taking a stance on政治
tportalIndependentCenter4 days agoThe Croatian police agency Uskok has expanded an investigation into a drug trafficking group previously accused of smuggling 127 kilograms of cocaine. The new expansion includes two additional suspects who are alleged to have transported another 138 kilograms of cocaine worth over 3.3 million euros. The group, allegedly organized by Hrvoje Bertak, owner of a transportation company in Dugog Selo, used hidden cargo trucks to smuggle drugs across Europe. Among those arrested was a police officer illegally accessing data from the Ministry of Interior’s system. The expanded investigation now covers three existing members and two new suspects. Authorities claim the group operated between March 2020 and March 2021, organizing the smuggling and distribution of cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines. Despite these findings, there is no indication of an investigative detention being requested due to lack of evidence.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a drug trafficking operation without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity or ideology. It reports on law enforcement actions and judicial processes without evident ideological slant. While the topic involves criminal activity and law enm
Jutarnji listIndependentCenter4 days agoThe Croatian intelligence agency USKOK has expanded its investigation into a group of suspected drug traffickers led by transport operator Hrvoje Bertak from Dubrovnik. Bertak, who was previously detained in Rometinca since January for earlier drug trafficking charges, is now accused of organizing five drivers to smuggle narcotics under his instructions. According to USKOK, between spring 2020 and spring 2021, approximately 127 kilograms of cocaine, 10 liters of amphetamine oil, and 193 kilograms of cannabis were transported through Croatia and into Western European countries. The investigation has now uncovered an additional 11 kilograms of cocaine, totaling 138 kilograms of cocaine valued at over €3.3 million. The drugs were allegedly transported under the guise of legal cargo using trucks owned by Bertak’s trading company. USKOK did not request an investigative detention as there was no basis for it.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a criminal investigation conducted by USKOK, focusing on the logistics and scale of drug smuggling operations. While the subject involves organized crime and law enforcement actions, the framing remains neutral, avoiding overt ideological slant. The use
Večernji listIndependentCenter4 days agoThe Croatian State Judicial Administration (USKOK) has expanded an ongoing investigation into a criminal organization suspected of trafficking large quantities of drugs across multiple European countries. The probe involves several individuals, including three accused persons (I., II., and IV.), as well as two Croatian citizens born in 1979 and 1978. According to the report, between March 2020 and March 2021, individual I. allegedly coordinated with II. and III. to transport and sell cocaine, cannabis, and amphetamine through a network involving drivers from their companies and other unnamed individuals. The group transported over 138 kilograms of cocaine alone, valued at at least €3.3 million. The investigation was initiated based on a criminal complaint filed by the Krapina-Zagorje Police Department. No charges of pretrial detention were recommended due to insufficient evidence.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about an ongoing judicial investigation without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the actions of law enforcement and provides details of alleged criminal activities without using biased language or selectively omitting context.
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