Albanian police help dismantle drug network to Europe

The State Police participated in a major international operation, ICARO.AL, aimed at dismantling a criminal group trafficking cocaine from South America to Europe, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

According to the police announcement, as part of the ICARO.AL international police operation initiated by Italian authorities, the Albanian State Police, in cooperation with the Guardia di Finanza, SPAK, and international partner agencies, identified and arrested several individuals involved in a criminal network trafficking cocaine from South America to Italy and Central European countries.

So far, the operation has resulted in 12 arrests, with investigations ongoing for 8 others, reports ATSh.

In Albania, the State Police located and arrested five individuals who are expected to be extradited. Those arrested include Igli Dervishi (30), Shkëlqim Pashja (44), Ervin Dema (40), Edmond Zhuja (41), and Genti Berisha (28).

Additionally, thanks to information provided by Albanian authorities, another group member, Gerardo Pashja (alias Astrit Pashja, 48), with a criminal record, was arrested in Spain.

During the operation, authorities identified and declared wanted an individual, M. M. (28), accused of participating in the criminal group and other offenses. Efforts are ongoing with international partners to locate and arrest him.

According to the Court of Brescia in Italy, the criminal group was organized to traffic cocaine from South America, using modified vehicles to conceal the drugs. The cocaine was transported and distributed to Italian cities and other parts of Central Europe.

The operation involved the Organized Crime Investigation Structures in DPPSH, the Tirana and Elbasan Police Directorates, the Special Operational Force, and the National Security Force Unit, in collaboration with Guardia di Finanza and SPAK. Interpol Tirana is closely cooperating with counterparts to finalize extraditions.