In a shocking discovery that has shaken the capital, Albanian police have uncovered a van filled with military-grade weapons in the heart of Tirana. The major anti-arms operation, codenamed “The Van,” was conducted by officers from Police Station No. 2, revealing one of the largest illegal arms caches found in Albania in recent years.
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| The photo shows some of the weapons seized in Tirana by the police, mostly Kalashnikovs. |
Among the weapons found were Beretta, Glock, Rex Delta, Ruger-57, and Tanfoglio handguns. Officers also discovered a silencer, 17 magazines, and over 15,000 rounds of ammunition. The van’s interior was also equipped with remote detonation devices, cell phones used for coordination, wave-blocking equipment, tracking devices (GPS), and uniforms resembling police gear.
Arrests and Suspects
Police confirmed the arrest of 34-year-old Eugert Sina, who was apprehended at the scene. Authorities have also declared two other individuals wanted in connection with the same operation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the group was part of a wider criminal network involved in arms trafficking, potentially linked to organized crime groups operating within and beyond Albania.
The operation was launched after weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. Investigators tracked suspicious activity in the area, leading them to the van. When officers moved in to inspect the vehicle, they were stunned by the scale and sophistication of the arsenal hidden inside.
Details of the Seized Equipment
The full inventory of the confiscated items reads like a military supply list rather than a random criminal stash. Police listed the following:
12 pistols of different brands and calibers
6 automatic rifles
5 long-barrel sniper-style firearms equipped with optical sights
1 silencer
17 ammunition magazines
15,000 bullets
17 sets of handcuffs identical to those used by law enforcement
12 mobile phones
Remote detonation devices
Electronic tracking systems (GPS)
Wave-jamming equipment
Currency-counting devices
3 complete police-like uniforms
Investigators are now working to determine whether the weapons were destined for sale on the black market or intended for criminal operations within Albania.
Possible Links to Organized Crime
Sources close to the investigation have not ruled out the possibility that the weapons were part of a smuggling network extending into neighboring countries. The discovery raises serious concerns about the security of urban areas and the flow of illegal weapons through the Balkans. Albania, once plagued by arms trafficking during the 1990s, has made significant efforts in recent years to crack down on illegal weapons circulation — yet this case reveals that underground arms networks may still be highly active.
Experts say that such a large cache, including high-precision sniper rifles and signal-jamming technology, suggests potential use in targeted attacks or robberies, rather than simple street-level crime. The presence of police-like uniforms further heightens suspicions that the group might have been preparing for criminal operations disguised as law enforcement raids.
Legal Proceedings
The seized evidence has been referred to the Prosecutor’s Office of Tirana for further investigation. The suspects are being charged under articles related to “Arms and ammunition trafficking” and “Illegal possession and manufacturing of weapons and explosives.”
Authorities emphasized that this discovery demonstrates both the sophistication and danger of modern organized crime in Albania, where criminal groups increasingly use advanced technology and logistics to conduct their operations. Police continue to carry out searches to locate the two fugitives and any additional accomplices.
Government and Public Reaction
News of the discovery spread rapidly across social media, sparking public debate about safety and law enforcement in the capital. Residents of Tirana expressed shock that such an arsenal could be hidden in a van parked in one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior praised the police force for their swift and efficient action, emphasizing that ongoing reforms and intelligence coordination are essential in preventing similar threats. “This operation prevented what could have been a devastating event,” one ministry spokesperson said.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge Albania faces in combating arms trafficking across its borders. The country has been under EU pressure to strengthen control mechanisms and traceability of weapons as part of its integration process.
While the successful “The Van” operation is a clear victory for the police, it also serves as a warning about the scale of illegal weapon circulation still present in the region. As the investigation unfolds, authorities hope to uncover the origins of the weapons and the intended destination of the van’s deadly cargo.