Milos Radonjic, a suspected Balkan drug lord known as the “Pirate of the Unknown,” was extradited from the high seas to New York to face charges of smuggling over 5,500 pounds of cocaine from South America to Europe. Radonjic was accused of leading an operation that involved detailed planning to smuggle drugs on board a vessel under U.S. jurisdiction. If convicted, he faces life in prison. His alias, “Pirate of the Unknown,” was listed in a federal indictment.
Radonjic was arrested in Italy in October 2023 after entering the country for a yacht-racing competition. The U.S. requested his extradition, which was granted by the Italian Ministry of Justice. Radonjic pleaded not guilty in federal court and was ordered to be held until trial.
Radonjic’s role as a significant narcotrafficker for Balkan cartels involved using his experience on cargo ships to smuggle drugs undetected. Court documents revealed that he provided detailed instructions to his co-conspirators on how to avoid detection and properly secure packages on ships. Radonjic’s communication intercepted by federal authorities included hourly updates on the cargo ship’s crew and location.
Balkan cartels have become major players in drug trafficking in Europe, with the majority of narcotics passing through their hands before reaching Europe. Radonjic’s arrest is seen as a significant victory for maritime law enforcement against high-profile drug traffickers. The Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act targets major players in the drug trade, but often catches lower-level individuals like fishermen. Other recent cases include indictments of Colombian men for smuggling cocaine on semi-submersible vessels.
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