In the early hours of the morning, Italian State Police launched a large-scale international anti-drug operation that has shaken organized crime networks operating across Europe. The operation, codenamed “STURL ONE”, resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, eight of Albanian origin and one Italian citizen, all suspected of being part of a highly structured criminal organization involved in international drug trafficking.
This major law enforcement action was carried out by the Reggio Emilia Police Headquarters, under the strict coordination of the Bologna Public Prosecutor’s Office – District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA). The arrests were authorized by the Preliminary Investigations Judge (GIP) of Bologna, who approved pre-trial detention measures (“arrest with imprisonment”) based on extensive investigative evidence.
A Cross-Border Operation With International Reach
The STURL ONE operation extended far beyond Italy’s borders, highlighting the transnational nature of modern organized crime. Arrests and searches were conducted in multiple Italian provinces, including Reggio Emilia, Bergamo, Brescia, and Savona. At the same time, coordinated police actions took place in France, Spain, and Albania, thanks to close cooperation between Italian authorities, foreign law enforcement agencies, and the Albanian Criminal Police.
This international collaboration underscores the increasing commitment of European institutions to dismantle Albanian-led drug trafficking networks, which have become highly influential in the European narcotics market over the past decade.
Roots in Previous Major Investigations
According to investigators, STURL ONE is a direct continuation of earlier landmark operations known as “TREXIT 2019” and “BLACK MAMBA”, conducted between 2021 and 2022. Those operations had already led to the arrest of 35 individuals, many of whom were linked to the same criminal infrastructure now targeted again.
The findings from the current investigation reveal that the criminal organization had exceptional logistical and financial capabilities. It operated like a multinational enterprise, importing and distributing massive quantities of illegal drugs across Italy and other European countries.
Massive Drug Imports From Multiple Continents
Italian authorities state that the organization was involved in trafficking cocaine, hashish, and marijuana sourced from South America, Northern Europe, and Spain. Drugs were often hidden inside trucks transporting vegetables and legitimate commercial goods, a method commonly used by sophisticated criminal groups to avoid detection.
In just six months, the group is believed to have distributed over 200 kilograms of cocaine and approximately one ton of hashish and marijuana. These operations allegedly generated millions of euros in illicit profits, further strengthening the organization’s influence and reach.
Encrypted Communications and the SkyECC Breakthrough
One of the most critical breakthroughs in the investigation came from intercepted communications on SkyECC, an encrypted messaging platform widely used by criminal organizations across Europe. In late 2020, French authorities successfully cracked the SkyECC system, granting investigators unprecedented access to criminal conversations, operational planning, and financial coordination.
These decrypted messages played a key role in reconstructing the drug trafficking routes, identifying leadership roles within the organization, and gathering evidence strong enough to support arrests and prosecutions.
Additional Arrests and Seizures
In total, 15 individuals are currently under investigation in connection with the STURL ONE case. During multiple searches, police seized narcotics, large sums of cash, and communication devices believed to have been used for coordinating illegal activities.
During a separate but related operation in Brescia, Italian police arrested a Moroccan national caught in the act, found in possession of more than 3 kilograms of drugs and €5,800 in cash. This arrest further confirms the broad network of collaborators operating under the same criminal umbrella.
A Heavy Blow to Organized Crime
Italian authorities have described STURL ONE as a decisive strike against the leadership (“cupola”) of the criminal organization. By targeting key figures, financial channels, and logistical hubs, investigators aim to disrupt not only current trafficking activities but also the group’s ability to reorganize in the future.
From an Albanian context, the operation once again places a spotlight on the involvement of Albanian criminal groups abroad, a sensitive issue that continues to impact Albania’s international image. At the same time, the strong cooperation between Italian and Albanian law enforcement demonstrates a shared commitment to fighting organized crime and improving regional security.
The STURL ONE operation marks another significant milestone in Europe’s fight against international drug trafficking. Through advanced intelligence, international cooperation, and the dismantling of encrypted criminal communications, authorities have delivered a serious blow to a powerful Albanian-linked criminal network.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a clear message: organized crime, no matter how sophisticated or international, is not beyond the reach of coordinated justice.