On 25 June 2026, representatives from law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, academia, legislative bodies and international organizations gathered at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo to discuss how institutions can better respond to increasingly complex forms of organized crime and emerging security threats.

The expert conference, organized by the Association of Criminalists, Criminologists and Security Managers in collaboration with the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security of the University of Sarajevo, the Ministry of Interior of Sarajevo Canton and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), highlighted the need for stronger cross-sectoral cooperation as criminal networks continue to adapt to interventions and transform their methods. The Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina provided their official support for the event, recognizing organized crime as a national security threat replete with ever-changing challenges and effects that span governance, economic development, public trust and the rule of law.

Although the discussions covered a range of topics related to organized crime, including drug markets, cybercrime and critical infrastructure protection, a common theme emerged: Criminal groups are becoming increasingly adaptive and exploiting technological innovation, digital communication, financial systems and institutional fragmentation in ways that require coordinated responses from governments. Participants emphasized that, as a result of these developments, organized crime cannot be addressed by individual institutions acting independently. Effective responses require closer cooperation among police agencies, prosecutors, policymakers, researchers and international partners, as well as the creation of legal frameworks capable of addressing rapidly developing criminal threats.

Drug markets – balancing prevention and criminal justice

One panel focused on responses to drug-related crimes, reflecting on the importance of integrating prevention, public health and criminal justice policies into a holistic response package. With this in mind, participants discussed the implementation of the Sarajevo Canton’s Anti-Drug Strategy (2024–2028), a new strategic approach to disrupting the drug trade and drug-related harms. They noted, in particular, the importance of implementing better institutional coordination and introducing new preventive and enforcement measures. Speakers also raised concerns about the age at which young people first experiment with illicit drugs, arguing that prevention programmes need to target younger age groups and be implemented more systematically.

The discussion also covered the strategic allocation of criminal justice resources in this context. Several participants argued that law enforcement and prosecutorial capacities should focus more on tracking illicit financial flows and dismantling organized criminal groups responsible for drug trafficking, while considering alternative responses to lesser offences, such as possession for personal use. They noted that such approaches are increasingly being debated across Europe as part of broader efforts to improve the effectiveness of responses to organized crime.

To inform the discussion, the GI-TOC presented findings from the latest Global Organized Crime Index, outlining the major drug trends affecting the Western Balkans, including the expansion of cannabis cultivation, the region’s strategic role in heroin and, increasingly, cocaine trafficking, and the growing presence of synthetic drugs. The Index findings speak to the need to strengthen institutional resilience and regional cooperation by shedding light on the adaptability of criminal networks, their operation across multiple illicit markets, their exploitation of corruption and logistical infrastructure, and their continuous adjustment to law enforcement pressure.

Technology is reshaping security challenges

Another area of focus was the growing impact of technological innovation on illicit activity. As criminal networks increasingly exploit encrypted communications, digital platforms and emerging technologies, institutions must consistently strengthen their investigative capacities and adapt their legal and operational frameworks. Participants therefore agreed that investment in technology is required alongside sustained cooperation between government institutions, academia and international organizations, in order to react to emerging threats before they become entrenched.

Although the discussions reflected Bosnia and Herzegovina’s specific context, many of the challenges raised are shared across the Western Balkans and beyond. Organized crime continues to adapt to new technologies, exploit institutional vulnerabilities and diversify activities across illicit markets. Addressing these threats therefore requires more than reactive measures prioritizing law enforcement. With criminal networks increasingly operating across borders and criminal markets increasingly interconnected, it is crucial to strengthen prevention measures, coordinate public policies, and prioritize evidence-based decision making and sustained cooperation across institutions.

The conference demonstrated the value of bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to exchange experiences and identify shared priorities. As organized crime continues to adapt and diversify, maintaining these channels of dialogue will be crucial to developing more effective and integrated responses.