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The international cocaine trafficking network is dismantled / SPAK gives details of the mega-operation

2024-11-16 14:43:00, Aktualitet CNA

The international cocaine trafficking network is dismantled / SPAK gives details

The Special Prosecutor's Office announces that within the framework of criminal proceedings no. 141/1 of 2023 revealed an international network of trafficking in the narcotic substance of the "cocaine" type from Latin American countries, contaminated and then processed and trafficked in Albania and the European market.

This investigation has so far led to the arrest of seven Albanian citizens and three citizens from Latin America, as well as the discovery and seizure of a sophisticated cocaine processing laboratory, located in the village of Qereke, Fushë Krujë. Also, auxiliary facilities have been identified in Tirana and Durrës. Considerable quantities of raw material where narcotics are suspected to have been mixed and hidden, quantities of cocaine, chemical mixers, specialized facilities for hiding drugs, laboratory equipment, sums of money and means of transport used for criminal activity have also been seized.

This intensive investigation, carried out for more than a year, was led entirely by the prosecutors of the Special Prosecution and the investigators of the BKH, who used a wide range of special investigative techniques. Close cooperation with local and foreign law enforcement agencies has been key to the advancement of this important operation against international drug trafficking.

The arrested are:

Albanian citizen:

GS, 42 years old, resident in Tirana

KB, 40 years old, resident in Tirana

A.Ç., 37 years old, resident in Tirana

ES, 25 years old, resident of Kruja

AZ, 37 years old, resident in Tirana

IA, 51 years old, resident of Shkodër

BH, 57 years old, resident of Durrës

Foreign nationals:

HLN, 41 years old, Colombian citizen

JRV, 35 years old, Venezuelan citizen

SAS, 42 years old, Venezuelan citizen

Seized evidence includes:

Raw material of 48 tons (about 850 bovine hides) suspected of hiding narcotics, imported from Latin America in September and November 2024;

6.1 kg of suspected cocaine;

36,270 euros, 357,046 new leks and 57 million Colombian pesos (approximately 12,200 euros);

89.5 kg of solid mixer and 50 kg of liquid solution for the preparation of cocaine;

Equipment for setting up laboratories, such as presses, jets, glass tubes, chemical preparations, microwaves, packaging bags, and heat lamps;

22 mobile phones, 2 laptops, 7 bank cards and 17 SIM cards;

3 vehicles of different brands and other important documents.

Typology of the criminal group

From the investigative data, it appears that this group acts as an international criminal network, collaborating with criminal organizations in Latin America to traffic cocaine to Albania and European Union countries. On site, they used a laboratory and ancillary facilities to extract the drug from "salted cowhide", processing it before it was trafficked to the intended markets. The structure of the group included nationals from several cities in the country, well-defined roles, including financiers, transporters, processors, and distributors.

This network featured an efficient cooperation between experienced foreign experts and well-organized local elements, creating a functional and multidimensional mechanism of criminal activity.

One of the most special aspects of this network was the inclusion of experts from Latin America. The Colombians and Venezuelans, known for their deep expertise in the handling and processing of cocaine, were the "experts" who guaranteed the technical success of the operation. Their ability to extract cocaine from organic materials, such as "cattle skins" turned the raw drug into a ready-made, high-quality product for the Albanian and European markets. This cooperation shows not only the international size of the group, but also its intentions to operate at high levels of organization and the use of advanced technology in drug processing.

The laboratory set up in Qereke in Fushë Krujë and the auxiliary facilities in Tirana and Durrës were located in strategic points of the national infrastructure. Near the country's largest airport, and the port of Durrës, these areas made it difficult to monitor from the air by law enforcement agencies, and in turn facilitated the rapid transport of drugs and chemical compounds, ensuring quick access to national and international markets. The selection of these locations clearly shows careful planning, where close proximity to major national logistics hubs was a key factor in the uninterrupted operation of this criminal network.

The network operated in a synchronized manner, with each link defined in detail. Foreign experts focused on technical processing processes, using their skills to set up drug processing laboratories. Meanwhile, Albanian financiers provided investments, equipment and chemical components. Transporters and local processors played their part in ensuring the safe movement of drugs and equipment, while distributors were tasked with getting the drugs into their intended markets.

The large amount of money made available to finance this activity, the technological equipment and means of drug processing indicate the high level of organization and financial resources of this criminal group.

In the internal analysis of this investigation so far, the Head of the Special Prosecution, Altin Dumani, considers it as a key moment in the fight against organized crime in Albania:

"This investigation is clear evidence that SPAK is committed to pursuing and attacking criminal networks that threaten security and justice in our country. The success of this criminal proceeding so far shows that international cooperation and domestic expertise are the key to concrete results."

Meanwhile, the prosecutor of the case, Adnan Xholi, emphasized the importance of using special investigation tools in uncovering this network:

"This investigation has shown us a new and complex pattern of international drug trafficking, where foreign expertise combines with local elements to set up an integrated criminal system. Taking down this network is a strong signal to all those who think they can operate with impunity."

A special thanks goes to our local and foreign partners, the Prosecutor's Office at the Court of First Instance of the General Jurisdiction of Durrës and the Directorate of the State Police for the professionalism shown during the stage of the arrest in flagrante delicto, the seizure of material evidence and the products of the activity criminal.