In a significant ruling against transnational narcotics trafficking, Albania’s Special Court of First Instance has handed down long prison sentences to two alleged members of a criminal network accused of smuggling four tonnes of drugs to Italy. The verdict, issued by the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Court (GJKKO) on January 27, marks the conclusion of a high-profile prosecution into one of the largest drug trafficking cases involving Albanian nationals in recent years.
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| Moisi Habilaj and Nezar Seiti |
Key Convictions: Moisi Habilaj and Nezar Seiti
Moisi Habilaj, long identified in Albanian public discourse as a prominent figure linked to organized crime networks operating between Albania and Italy, was found guilty on multiple counts of drug trafficking and participation in a structured criminal group. For his role across several episodes of smuggling narcotics between 2013 and 2017, Habilaj received a total sentence of 15 years in prison. However, under Albania’s legal provisions for expedited trial procedures, his sentence was reduced by one-third, meaning he will serve 10 years in a high-security prison.
Nezar Seiti, described by prosecutors as a key operative within the same network, was also convicted of drug trafficking. His original sentence of 12 years was similarly reduced by one-third, resulting in a final term of 8 years imprisonment.
Other Defendants and Case Outcome
The charges against two other defendants, Fatmir Minaj and Maridian (Meridian) Sulaj, were dismissed during the court proceedings. According to the court, both individuals had already been sentenced previously for the same offense, meaning their cases were not retried.
Prosecutors had accused all four men of organizing and executing a complex scheme to traffic large amounts of narcotics, primarily bound for Italy, where demand for illicit drugs remains high and lucrative for criminal networks.
Judicial Context and Implications
The verdict underscores the Albanian judiciary’s continued effort to tackle organized crime and drug smuggling that stretches across borders. In recent years, Italian law enforcement has also been active in dismantling international trafficking networks, with major operations leading to arrests and seizures of cocaine, cannabis, and substantial amounts of cash in northern Italy, particularly around regions such as Lombardy and Piedmont. These investigations often involve cooperation with European counterparts to stem the flow of illegal narcotics into the Italian market.
Authorities say the convictions should send a clear message that transnational drug trafficking faces serious legal consequences, even where groups operate across multiple jurisdictions. Analysts note that such coordinated criminal enterprises can exert deep social and economic harm, affecting communities on both sides of the Adriatic.
Looking Ahead
With the sentences now finalized and set to be served in high-security facilities, law enforcement officials in both Albania and Italy are expected to maintain pressure on remaining trafficking networks. Courts and police agencies continue to focus on disrupting the flow of illicit drugs, pursuing cases that span continents and involve complex logistical channels.