Shpëtim Aliu arrested in Russia for major cocaine trafficking network

Authorities in Albania are investigating a major international drug trafficking network linked to Shpëtim Aliu, also known as ‘Salvatore’. Following an investigation by SPAK, Aliu, a 51-year-old from Elbasan, was arrested in Russia on September 23, 2026, during the ‘The Wanted’ operation conducted in cooperation with Interpol and Russian authorities. Aliu is accused of leading a structure responsible for trafficking at least 50 tons of cocaine from Latin America to Europe, laundering millions of euros, and acquiring significant assets in Albania, including villas and hotels.

In a separate local operation in Elbasan, police conducted a raid under the code name ‘Shitblerja’ at the residence of a 40-year-old man, K. N. Officers seized 1.13 kilograms of cannabis sativa, an electronic scale, an unlicensed hunting weapon, and cash. While the primary suspect fled the scene, two other individuals were detained near the residence for suspected involvement in purchasing drugs. The materials from both investigations have been referred to the Prosecutor's Office.