Euromost: Criminal charges against four companies over illegal sand and gravel extraction in Gusinje

The non-governmental organization Euromost has filed criminal charges with the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Plav and the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office against four companies and their responsible persons, because — according to Euromost — in the territory of the municipality of Gusinje, at several points in the Grnčar valley, illegal extraction of minerals, mainly sand and gravel, has been going on for years.

According to the information and evidence that Euromost says it has, the extraction takes place at several sites, including Left Grnčar, Right Grnčar, and Bedluke, and the material is removed without the necessary permits. The organization also points to illegal concrete production and sale, as well as the exercise of economic activity without environmental approvals and other required permits.

The environmental inspection in Gusinje, during checks at two companies, had already found irregularities in the work of two concrete production plants, for which the legally prescribed measures were taken. However, Euromost asked the prosecution to conduct an inspection and expert assessment, determine the amount of sand and gravel extracted and the extent of the damage, and verify whether local authorities were aware and took timely measures.

Euromost expects the prosecution to fully investigate its claims. The organization warned that after Bijelo Polje and Gusinje it will continue filing criminal charges in other northern municipalities, against all responsible persons whose illegal actions damage the environment.

Source: Vijesti