EULEX has initiated an internal investigation of sixteen Romanian Gendarmes. The Gendarmes, who were travelling back to Romania on leave, were apparently carrying excessive quantities of alcohol and cigarettes out of Kosovo.

The incident occurred at the Blace Border/Boundary crossing in the early hours of 20^th April 2010.

The Gendarmes were questioned by customs officials from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The excessive amounts of alcohol and cigarettes were confiscated.

“The full facts relating to this incident are still being established. I do not want to pre-judge any inquiry,” said the Deputy Head of the EULEX Police Component, Lambert Lucas.

“But EULEX takes very seriously any allegations that members of its staff may have acted either illegally or contrary to the strict internal disciplinary code of the Mission. If individuals are found to have acted wrongly, action will be taken, without hesitation,” he added.