Police in the coastal city of Vlora have arrested a 53-year-old man on suspicion of trafficking contraband medical drugs brought into the country from Italy, authorities said on Wednesday. The suspect was caught in flagrante while transporting a vehicle loaded with medicine and other goods believed to be illegally imported.
Operation and Arrest Specialists from the Economic and Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Vlora Police Directorate acted on information from operational channels and carried out intensive checks aimed at preventing and uncovering illegal importation and sale of smuggled goods. During the late-evening sweep, the 53-year-old man — identified by the initials P. Ç. — was stopped in his vehicle carrying medical medications and mobile phones believed to have been brought into Albania without customs clearance.
Police immediately seized the suspected contraband and placed the man under arrest. In addition, authorities initiated criminal proceedings against his 26-year-old son, identified as D. Ç., who is suspected of being involved in the illegal operation.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials said the investigation continues as they work to fully document the extent of the alleged criminal activity and identify any additional individuals involved in transporting and distributing the contraband goods. The case file has been forwarded to the Vlora Prosecutor’s Office for further legal action.
Contraband importation of medicines and other consumer goods remains a concern for Albanian authorities, who have in recent years stepped up cooperation with international partners to disrupt criminal networks that exploit legal loopholes and informal transportation routes from neighboring countries, including Italy.