Joint Franco-Albanian operation leads to arrest of 19 Individuals in Albania and France
A joint investigation by Albanian and French authorities has resulted in the dismantling of a criminal group involved in drug trafficking across French territory, led by an Albanian national residing in Albania.
Context
The collaborative investigation between Albanian and French prosecutors identified and subsequently processed 19 individuals, Albanians and foreign nationals, involved in illegal criminal activities related to narcotics. In France, 16 Albanian and foreign nationals were arrested, alongside the seizure of €20,000 in cash and 3 vehicles. 3 more were arrested in Albania. The group was based in Lyon, France, but supplied drugs to four other French departments: Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Rhone, and Ain.
The Special Prosecution in Albania seized a significant quantity of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and other mixtures, valued at €1 million, along with other assets belonging to the alleged traffickers. Shipments of narcotics, nearly on a daily basis, were managed by an Albanian residing in the outskirts of Lyon. The criminal group was headquartered in Durrës, Albania, where its leader resided.
In Albania, the Special Prosecution Office has imposed “preventive seizure” measures on bank accounts and has seized 15 vehicles, as well as a substantial amount of cash in Albanian lek, euros, and Swiss francs.
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