# Albanian cannabis trafficking networks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/albanian-cannabis-trafficking-networks
> Updated: 2026-09-04T07:18:49.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

Investigations have highlighted the reach of Albanian organized crime in the cannabis trade, both domestically and internationally. In the United Kingdom, reports indicate the presence of at least 450 illegal cannabis farms operated by Albanian groups, a multi-billion pound industry that has occasionally resulted in gang violence. These operations often utilize residential properties to evade detection.

This situation has intersected with legal challenges regarding the deportation of Albanian nationals who are victims of human trafficking and forced into cultivation. British immigration judges have placed new restrictions on the deportation of such individuals, noting a “lack of specialized protection structures in Albania for young men who have been exploited abroad.”

In Albania, law enforcement has conducted several targeted operations. During a joint operation at the Port of Durrës involving the Prosecutor's Office and customs, authorities seized approximately 107.7 kilograms of ‘Gelato’ cannabis, valued at roughly 1.2 million euros. The narcotics were discovered hidden in modified and wood-covered compartments of a camper arriving from Canada. Two individuals remain wanted in connection with this trafficking investigation.

Domestic efforts continue through ‘Operation Neonët’ in Shkodër. In the fourth phase of this operation, police arrested a 22-year-old in Vau i Dejës and conducted a raid in Velipojë, seizing 308 suspected cannabis plants, 85 grams of dried substance, and 122 electrical devices. This raid led to the legal processing of two OSHEE employees, aged 50 and 59, for ‘abuse of office’ regarding the illegal use of electricity. Additionally, police arrested two suspects, aged 25 and 28, who had converted residential spaces in Barbullush into indoor cultivation sites using specialized lighting.

## Claims

- The Anchor operation was conducted by the Durrës Police Narcotics Investigation Sector under the direction of the Prosecutor's Office. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Authorities seized 127 packages of Gelato cannabis weighing approximately 80 kilograms at the Port of Durrës. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The market value of the seized cannabis is estimated at approximately 1 million euros. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The drugs were allegedly sourced in Ontario, Canada, and transported in a modified compartment of a vehicle purchased in Canada. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Police also seized three vehicles, five mobile phones, and approximately 11,000 euros in cash. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Three Kosovar citizens—Taulant Duraku (32), Luan Gashi (26), and Besfort Jaka (40)—were arrested. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The drugs were suspected to be distributed within Albania and Kosovo. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Two other individuals, H. C. from Kukës and G. O. from Ontario, Canada, are wanted by authorities. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Shkodër police arrest multiple suspects in cannabis cultivation raids

Albanian police in Shkodër arrested several individuals during ‘Operation Neonët’ for illegal cannabis cultivation and electricity theft, seizing over 300 plants and equipment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shkodr-police-arrest-multiple-suspects-in-cannabis-cultivation-raids

### 2026-08-22: Durrës Port drug bust: 80kg of cannabis seized from Canada

Albanian police seized 80kg of Gelato cannabis worth €1 million at Durrës Port. The drugs were smuggled from Ontario, Canada, in a modified vehicle. Three Kosovar citizens were arrested.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/durrs-police-seize-80kg-of-cannabis-valued-at-1-million

### 2026-08-21: Albanian organized crime and trafficking linked to UK cannabis industry

Investigations reveal hundreds of Albanian-run cannabis farms in the UK, while a British court ruling restricts the deportation of Albanian trafficking victims due to safety concerns.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/albanian-organized-crime-and-trafficking-linked-to-uk-cannabis-industry

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Cite as: Albanian cannabis trafficking networks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/albanian-cannabis-trafficking-networks