Three Arrested in Serbia for Illegal Sand and Gravel Extraction Along Drina River

Authorities in Serbia have apprehended three individuals suspected of engaging in illegal sand and gravel extraction along the banks of the Drina River. The arrests were made following an investigation into environmental protection violations, illegal construction, and the operation of polluting facilities.

The detained suspects, identified as S.U. (35), M.B. (43), and the de facto owner Đ.F. (42), are accused of defying a prior ruling by the water inspection authority that had explicitly forbidden their activities. Instead of ceasing operations, they allegedly proceeded without the necessary permits and failed to register their workers with the Central Register of Mandatory Social Insurance.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the group organized the exploitation of sand and gravel on agricultural land in Crna Bara, a riverside area. This unauthorized activity resulted in the creation of several artificial water-filled reservoirs, causing geological damage to the environment. The extracted materials were reportedly stored and processed in an illegal separation plant, presumably for resale and illicit profit.

The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Šabac has ordered the suspects to be detained for up to 48 hours. They are expected to be brought before the prosecution along with criminal charges. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal resource extraction and environmental degradation in the region.