By Gangsters Inc. Editors
Law enforcement in Italy and Albania with support from Europol dismantled a network of drug traffickers, Europol reported on Thursday. During a joint action day which saw the involvement of some 350 officers in the field, 30 suspects were arrested and 31 locations were searched. Five rifles, one gun and six vehicles have been seized during the operation.
The criminal groups were allegedly responsible for the large-scale trafficking of cocaine, cannabis and heroin mainly from Albania to Italy. This operation is part of a longer-term investigation carried out jointly by the Italian and Albanian authorities, which has already led to the arrest of 62 persons and the seizure of assets worth approximately €1 million (in Italy), as well as to the seizure of huge quantities of drugs.
The case was opened at Eurojust and Europol in 2019. Eurojust organized two coordination meetings in which representatives of the involved authorities came together to discuss the case, exchange information and agree on further steps. The Agency also supported the authorities by setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT).
Over the course of the investigation, Europol provided in-depth analytical support and expertise, mapping out the different high-profile targets and their criminal activities. The investigation was supported by the Countering Serious Crime in the Western Balkans – IPA 2019 project, which – for the first time – was able to financially support operational activities.
- Back to the European organized crime section on Gangsters Inc.
- Check out the latest news on organized crime and the Mafia at our news section
- Check out our social media channels
- About Gangsters Inc.
Copyright © Gangsters Inc.
Comments