Montenegro Supreme Court Extends Detention for Banicevic Brothers

The Supreme Court of Montenegro has decided to extend the detention of brothers Vuk and Vlado Banicevic for an additional three months, concluding on June 3, 2026. This ruling follows a request from the Special State Prosecutor’s Office dated February 26, 2026.

The decision to prolong the detention stems from reasonable suspicions that the Banicevic brothers engaged in serious criminal activities, including the formation of a criminal organization. They are also accused of four counts related to the unauthorized production, possession, and distribution of narcotic substances.

According to the court’s ruling, evidence suggests that the brothers were part of an international criminal network involved in transporting and selling cocaine from Ecuador to various locations across Europe, particularly through the port of Antwerp in Belgium. The prosecution alleges that they played active roles in drug trafficking operations, following directives from the organization’s leaders.

The court indicated that the extension of their detention is necessary to prevent the risk of flight and ensure the smooth conduct of legal proceedings. The charges they face carry potential prison sentences of ten years or more, reflecting the severity of the offenses and their implications.

Initially, the Banicevic brothers were placed in detention by a judge from the High Court in Podgorica on December 9, 2025. Their detention was subsequently extended by the Criminal Council of the same court on December 26, 2025. With the latest ruling from the Supreme Court, their detention may now last until early June 2026, as the investigation continues.