The Albanian State Police, through the Local Police Directorate of Gjirokastër (DVP Gjirokastër), have successfully finalized a significant anti-drug operation codenamed “Black Scale”, marking another important step in Albania’s ongoing fight against organized drug trafficking, especially along routes leading toward Greece.
This operation, carried out after extensive investigative and operational work, resulted in the seizure of approximately 51 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, carefully packed into 48 individual parcels, and the arrest of a 30-year-old Albanian citizen who was caught transporting the narcotics. Authorities believe the drugs were intended for international trafficking across the Greek border, a route frequently targeted by criminal groups operating in southern Albania.
Arrest in Flagrante and Discovery of Hidden Drugs
The arrested individual, identified by the initials N. P., aged 30 and resident of Rusan village, Delvinë, was apprehended in flagrante delicto at a location known as “Shkalla e Zezë”, a strategically sensitive area often monitored by law enforcement due to its geographic position.
During a thorough inspection of his Nissan vehicle, police officers discovered that the narcotics had been concealed in a specially improvised compartment within the vehicle’s chassis. This sophisticated hiding method highlights the increasing level of organization and technical planning used by drug traffickers attempting to evade border controls and police checks.
The seized cannabis weighed 51 kilograms and 25 grams, confirming suspicions that this was not a small-scale offense, but rather a serious trafficking attempt involving coordination among multiple individuals.
Three Suspects Identified and Declared Wanted
As a result of further investigations led by the Narcotics Investigation Sector, in cooperation with the Operational Sector and the Special Force “Shqiponja”, police identified three additional Albanian citizens as collaborators in this criminal activity.
The individuals declared wanted are:
- E. P., 38 years old, resident of Rusan village, Delvinë – brother of the arrested suspect, believed to have played an organizing role
- D. C., 41 years old, resident of Sarandë – suspected collaborator
- Sh. A., 30 years old, resident of Tepelenë – suspected helper in the operation
According to investigators, these individuals allegedly worked together with the arrested suspect, taking on roles as organizers and facilitators to ensure the transportation and intended cross-border trafficking of the narcotics.
Coordinated Police Effort Across Southern Albania
The success of Operation Black Scale is attributed to a well-coordinated effort among multiple law enforcement structures, including:
- DVP Gjirokastër
- DVKM Gjirokastër
- DVP Vlorë
- The Prosecutor on duty, who supervised investigative actions
This inter-institutional collaboration underscores the Albanian Police’s increasing focus on intelligence-led operations, aiming not only to intercept drugs but also to dismantle the networks behind them.
Seizures and Ongoing Investigations
In addition to the narcotic substances, police also seized:
- The Nissan vehicle used for transportation
- Three mobile phones belonging to the arrested suspect
These items are being treated as material evidence and are expected to play a crucial role in further investigations, particularly in identifying communication patterns and potential links to other criminal groups operating domestically or internationally.
Authorities have confirmed that intensive efforts are underway to locate and arrest the three wanted suspects, while investigations continue to fully document the criminal responsibility of all individuals involved in this case.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
All procedural materials related to this case have been officially referred to the Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction in Gjirokastër. The suspects face charges under the Albanian Criminal Code for:
“Trafficking of narcotic substances, committed in cooperation.”
This offense carries severe penalties under Albanian law, reflecting the state’s zero-tolerance approach toward drug trafficking and organized crime.
Albania’s Broader Anti-Drug Strategy
Operations like Black Scale demonstrate Albania’s commitment to strengthening border security, combating organized crime, and cooperating with neighboring countries, particularly Greece, in preventing the flow of illegal drugs across borders.
For the Albanian public, especially in the southern regions such as Gjirokastër, Delvinë, Sarandë, and Tepelenë, this operation sends a clear message: law enforcement remains vigilant, and criminal networks will continue to be targeted through coordinated and intelligence-driven actions.
As investigations continue, further arrests are expected, reinforcing the importance of sustained pressure against drug trafficking routes that threaten public safety and Albania’s international standing.