INTERNATIONAL DRUG ENFORCEMENT CENTRE
centrul international antidrog
Europol and Eurojust take down drug trafficking network in Italy and Albania
A joint operation by Eurojust and Europol supported judicial and law enforcement authorities in Italy and Albania in dismantling a drug trafficking network. In a coordinated action involving approximately 350 officers on the ground, 30 suspects were arrested, and 31 premises were searched. Five rifles, a handgun, and six vehicles were seized during the operation. Eurojust’s coordination centre managed the joint action in real-time, while Europol provided operational support on-site by deploying its specialists in both Italy and Albania.
The Criminal Groups Involved:
The criminal groups were allegedly responsible for large-scale trafficking of cocaine, cannabis, and heroin mainly from Albania to Italy. The operation was part of a more extended investigation jointly conducted by Italian and Albanian authorities that had already led to the arrest of 62 people and the seizure of assets worth approximately 1 million euros (in Italy), as well as significant quantities of narcotics. The case was opened at Eurojust and Europol in 2019.
video and source: Euopol
Eurojust organised two coordination meetings in which representatives of the involved authorities gathered to discuss the case, exchange information, and agree on further steps. The Agency also supported the authorities by establishing and financing a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).
During the investigation, Europol provided in-depth analytical support and expertise by mapping the various 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, could financially support operational activities.
The successful joint operation by Eurojust and Europol underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating organised crime and drug trafficking. By pooling resources, expertise, and intelligence, the authorities were able to take down a major criminal network responsible for large-scale drug trafficking between Italy and Albania. The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated action by judicial and law enforcement authorities in different countries, supported by Eurojust and Europol, in disrupting transnational criminal activities.
Participating Authorities:
The following authorities participated in the investigation:
Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bergamo, Central Investigative Service on Organised Crime of the Financial Guard, Economic-Financial Police of Brescia of the Financial Guard, Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services, Italian Police Cooperation Service.
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