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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE]

3 clusters · 8 sources · 12 days · First seen · Last updated

Category: CRIME

Albanian police criminal arrests

Entities: Italian anti‑drug unit RIS · G. L. · O. D. · Italian Court of Appeal in Rome · Italian Court of Appeal in Venice

Overview

In late July 2026, police in Dibër detained a 38‑year‑old man who brandished a firearm on Elez Isufi boulevard, threatening residents. Investigators identified a 19‑year‑old accomplice who also aimed the weapon at locals aged 18‑52. After the arrest, criminal obstruction proceedings were opened against eight citizens for failing to report the incident and against two 44‑year‑old individuals suspected of impeding the inquiry.

In early August 2026, the FAST unit in Durrës, together with Interpol Tirana and Italian authorities, arrested a 40‑year‑old Albanian wanted by Italy for drug trafficking and document fraud. Sentenced in Italy to 11 years and one month, the suspect was taken into custody under operation “Wanted 36” and is pending extradition. At the same time, a separate raid in Italy’s Lazio region uncovered a cocaine refinery in a villa, seizing about 28 kg of cocaine and arresting five people, including an Albanian national.

These actions illustrate Albanian law‑enforcement’s focus on both local violent threats and trans‑national drug crimes, and highlight ongoing cooperation with international partners such as Italy and Interpol.

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [CRIME] 5 sources
    Albanian drug trafficker arrested in Durrës for extradition; Italy raids cocaine refinery

    Albanian trafficker O. D. arrested in Durrës for extradition after an Italian conviction; Italy also busted a villa‑based cocaine refinery, arresting five people including an Albanian.

  2. 8 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources
    Albanian police arrest 50‑year‑old drug trafficker for Italy extradition

    Albanian police arrested a 50‑year‑old man in Durrës, sentenced in Italy for drug trafficking, and are pursuing his extradition.

  3. 15 days ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources
    Albanian police arrest 38‑year‑old after firearm threat in Dibër

    Albanian police arrested a 38‑year‑old in Dibër after he threatened residents with a firearm; eight others face obstruction charges and further suspects are under investigation.

Sources

24-ore.com · balkanweb.com · ekonomiaonline.com · gazeta.mk · gijotina.com · javanews.al · lajmi.net · shekulli.com.al

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history