A Dutch national arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking

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Several locations were raided and one person arrested in Bosnia's northwest on Monday at the order of the state top judicial institutions and as a result of the cooperation of Bosnia's and Dutch police agencies.

Acting at the order of the State Prosecutor's Office and the Court, the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and the Interior Ministry of Bosnia's Republika Srpska (RS) entity conducted raids at five locations in and around northern towns of Odzak and Brcko, apprehending one national of the Netherlands, Kornelis Marinus van Velzen.

According to the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the international police operation codenamed ‘Madagaskar’ is a result of long-term cooperation of Bosnian and Dutch law enforcement agencies and is aimed at combatting the illicit trade of drugs.

A bank account of one person in Bosnia and Herzegovina was blocked within the police operation, the Prosecutor's Office also said.

Mirna Miljanovic, RS Ministry of Interior Spokesperson, confirmed that raids were conducted at five locations in Bosnia and 15 in the Netherlands.

“Several items that may be linked to the committing of the said criminal offence have been found during the raid,” said Miljanovic.