Munteanu: Leușeni arms smuggling case not a systematic operation
The arms smuggling case, registered on November 20 at the Leușeni customs crossing, is likely an isolated incident rather than a "systematic" operation, according to Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.
The premier noted that the Republic of Moldova’s proximity to the war in Ukraine makes the nation "vulnerable" to weaponry trafficking.
"The investigation has not been finalized, but it does not appear to be a systematic case. It does not look like it was part of an organized arms smuggling network. It seems to have been a unique case," Alexandru Munteanu stated during a live broadcast on Jurnal TV on the evening of December 4. "We await the conclusion of the inquiry."
The Prime Minister assured that the incident is being "investigated thoroughly," and official dismissals could follow. Authorities are actively taking measures to prevent such contraband situations from recurring.
"The fact that we are close to the war makes us vulnerable to all sorts of phenomena. We are not the first or the last," Munteanu added. "We must learn a lesson. We will implement necessary changes to strengthen our borders and ensure that trucks loaded with weapons do not pass through." He stressed the need for enhanced national security.
In related developments, President Maia Sandu announced the Government is developing a plan to combat arms smuggling, following a meeting of the National Security Council held on December 2.
The President detailed that the plan includes equipping the Moldova-Ukraine border crossing points with high-performance equipment and modern technologies, alongside solutions for an efficient personnel policy.
"It is a big problem that we will continue to face as long as we have a war at the border. The risks are high," Sandu concluded.
Five detained over the arms smuggling case
According to the General Prosecutor's Office, the weaponry discovered in the cargo vehicle detained at the Leușeni-Albița border crossing point on the night of November 20 was repeatedly smuggled into the Republic of Moldova by a "carrier" who regularly drove a truck from Ukraine. The detained truck contained 26 pieces of ammunition, including complete rounds, a surface-to-air launcher, and a "Geran-2" drone.
The weapon elements were elaborately concealed in metal foils, textile materials, and wooden boxes, specifically to evade detection during customs inspection.
Lilian Carp, Chairman of the parliamentary Commission for National Security, Defense and Public Order, stated that the weaponry is likely of Russian manufacture and represents war "trophies" captured in Ukraine.
The truck driver, a citizen of the Republic of Moldova originating from the Transnistrian region, was detained in Romania. Four other suspects—the organizer, the exporter, the customs broker, and the carrier—are being held in preventive arrest in the Republic of Moldova.
Law enforcement established that the illicit goods were loaded onto the truck in the municipality of Chișinău.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
