Man wanted on Interpol Red Notice arrested in Belgrade

According to the ministry, Vulević is suspected of producing, possessing and trafficking illegal drugs, as well as illegally possessing weapons. He was wanted by both the Montenegrin and Serbian judicial authorities.

Police said forged identity documents issued in Kosovo were found in his possession during the arrest. A criminal complaint will be filed against him on suspicion of document forgery.

Montenegrin Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic said Vulevic's arrest in Belgrade under Montenegro's Interpol Red Notice was further proof that "the era of the untouchables is over."

"Vulevic was being sought as part of the international case 'General', one of the most complex international operations aimed at dismantling a criminal organisation suspected of smuggling more than 2.5 tonnes of cocaine from South America to Europe and Australia," Saranovic said in a statement, as quoted by the Montenegrin daily Vijesti.

The minister added that Vulevic was not merely one of the country's most wanted fugitives.

"For years, he was considered one of the key figures of organised crime in northern Montenegro and a symbol of a time when individuals from criminal circles wielded greater influence than state institutions. That is why I spoke about him in Parliament in November last year. I spoke about a man who had enough power to influence the appointment of the leadership of the Berane police, determine the movements of police patrols and enable the uninterrupted operation of cigarette smuggling routes. I spoke about a time when certain police officers, instead of protecting the state, were used to protect people from criminal circles. That was not the strength of one man; it was the weakness of the state, which certain individuals deliberately maintained for years," Saranovic said.