Albanian police have released footage of a major operation in Durrës that led to the arrest of seven individuals, three of whom are considered high-risk. The video shows a significant police presence, heavily armed, storming a restaurant in Lalzi Bay where a group of people were having lunch, initiating the arrests.
During the operation, at least four pistols, dozens of phones, and cash were seized from the detainees. The operation, dubbed "Enigma," resulted in the capture of Xhevdet Plaku, 45, an internationally wanted fugitive who had escaped from Ancona prison in Italy in January of this year.
"Xhevdet Plaku, 45 years old, subject to an international arrest warrant by Interpol Rome, was arrested on charges of drug trafficking. This individual escaped from Ancona prison in January of this year. During the search, a firearm with a ready-to-fire bullet in the chamber was found on him," stated Durrës Police Director, Vilson Bala.
Also apprehended were Flobenc Meçja, 43, a resident of Shkodër, also an internationally wanted individual. In July 2024, a court issued an arrest warrant for him on charges of criminal organization, committing criminal acts as part of a structured criminal group, and providing conditions for committing murder. Police found two forged identification documents and a loaded firearm on him.
Voltan Xhani, 39, born in Përmet and residing in the Netherlands, was also arrested. In September 2024, the Shkodër court issued an arrest warrant for him as a suspect in motor vehicle trafficking in cooperation, and providing conditions and means to commit murder in connection with investigations into the murder of citizen E.Rr. in Shkodër. Police also found a ready-to-fire weapon on him.
Finally, Jurgen Xhani was arrested and charged with the unauthorized production and possession of military weapons, with a firearm also found in his possession.