Serbian Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced in Texas

Milan Tanovic, a 59-year-old Serbian national, has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for his role in an international cocaine trafficking conspiracy. The sentencing took place on October 15, 2026, in the Eastern District of Texas, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Tanovic, who also goes by the name Marco, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while aboard a vessel subject to U. S. jurisdiction.

The U. S. District Judge Sean D.

Jordan handed down the 204-month sentence.

International Trafficking Operation

Tanovic was identified as a large-scale cocaine trafficker, working alongside drug traffickers based in Serbia and Albania. The group was responsible for shipping ton amounts of cocaine from South America to Europe using container vessels. According to court information, Tanovic's involvement was confirmed through analysis of multiple chats on an encrypted messaging platform, linking him to several drug shipment seizures.

The case was part of an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), a comprehensive initiative established by Executive Order 14159. The task force aims to dismantle criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations operating within the United States and internationally. The HSTF places special emphasis on crimes involving child trafficking and other offenses against children.

Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts

The Homeland Security Task Force in Dallas comprises various agencies, including the FBI, ICE-HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CD, USPIS, FAMS, USSS, DSS, TEXOMA HIDTA, and several DEA Country Offices across Europe and South America. The task force also collaborates with EUROPOL and the U.S. Marshals Service in the Eastern District of Texas.

The prosecution of Tanovic was led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne. The task force's efforts highlight the significant interagency collaboration required to tackle the complex operations of international drug trafficking organizations.

Tanovic's sentencing marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat international drug trafficking and the associated violence and instability it brings to communities worldwide.