In a joint operation that highlights the growing cooperation between Interpol Tirana and Interpol Rome, the extradition of Ermond Goga, a 33-year-old Albanian citizen from Kruja, has been successfully completed. Goga, who was previously declared internationally wanted, was extradited from Italy to Albania to serve the remainder of his prison sentence.
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| Two police officers escorting Ermond Goga as he descends the stairs of the plane at Rinas Airport. |
The investigation dates back to 2021, when Goga was identified as the main organizer of a small group consisting of four individuals. This group had allegedly prepared a public land area in the village of Krastë, Kruja, with the intention of cultivating narcotic plants, primarily cannabis. The plan was thwarted in its early stages thanks to a swift police intervention.
During the police operations and subsequent home searches of the individuals involved, authorities discovered and seized 240 cannabis seedlings, a firearm with ammunition, and several tools used for cultivation. These findings further confirmed the group’s active role in organizing and initiating the illicit plantation project.
After the failed attempt, Goga reportedly fled abroad, managing to remain hidden for a considerable period before being located in Italy. Through coordinated efforts between Albanian and Italian law enforcement agencies, and with the support of Interpol’s communication network, Goga was arrested and subsequently handed over to Albanian authorities following a formal extradition process.
The Ministry of Interior and the State Police emphasized that this successful extradition is part of an ongoing strategy to ensure that individuals convicted of serious crimes in Albania cannot evade justice by leaving the country. Albanian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with international partners, particularly within the European Union and Interpol, to strengthen cross-border cooperation and combat organized crime and drug trafficking.
This case once again underscores Albania’s zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics-related crimes and its efforts to enhance judicial accountability. The collaboration between Interpol Tirana and Interpol Rome demonstrates not only operational efficiency but also a strong mutual trust between the two nations in fighting transnational crime.
As Goga begins serving the remainder of his sentence, Albanian authorities continue to identify and bring to justice individuals involved in similar criminal activities, reinforcing the message that crime has no borders and no safe haven.