Major anti-drug operation dismantles trafficking ring in central Tirana
A large-scale operation led by the Tirana Police, the Anti-Narcotics unit, and the Prosecutor’s Office has brought down a major drug trafficking and distribution network operating in the capital, particularly around the upscale area of the former Blloku in the heart of Tirana.
Why is this important: The action, codenamed “Blloku 33”, targeted a criminal group of 42 individuals. Authorities have placed all under investigation, arrested 25 suspects, and issued search warrants for 8 more. The operation strikes at the heart of a network that operated in some of Tirana’s most popular nightlife hotspots.
Context: Investigations had been underway for months, but this week the Tirana Court issued 34 security measures, ranging from prison detention to house arrest. So far, 25 of these measures have been executed.
During the raids, police confiscated at least 2 kg of cocaine, half a kilogram of heroin, and noted that the group had previously been linked to a seizure of 85 kg of cannabis. The drugs were primarily sold in trendy nightclubs and bars in Ish-Blloku, an area known for its elite clientele and nightlife culture.
Among those arrested were bartenders and waiters working in the venues where the drugs were distributed, highlighting the network’s embedded presence in the local nightlife scene. Their clients reportedly included VIPs and nightlife regulars. Distribution extended beyond the former Blloku to other neighborhoods in the capital.
What else: The group’s leadership is believed to have been made up of three brothers, two of which were arrested, while a third remains at large. Authorities suspect the trio played a central role in acquiring and distributing the cocaine throughout the network. A female suspect is also in custody; police have yet to clarify her specific role.
What’s next: Further investigations are ongoing as authorities work to locate the remaining suspects and map the full structure of the network. More arrests are expected as the legal process unfolds.
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