In a shocking turn of events that has gripped public attention across Albania, Bilal Hasa, the director of the Rrogozhina Prison, has surrendered to police after thousands of cannabis plants were found at a property linked to him in the Peqin area. The discovery has ignited controversy, raised questions about official conduct, and triggered broader concerns about drug cultivation and law enforcement within the country.
According to law enforcement reports, officers uncovered a facility in Kurtaj, Administrative Unit of Gjoçaj, which had been specially adapted for the indoor cultivation of narcotic plants, complete with artificial lighting and equipment typically used in illegal grow-ops. Close to 4,000 cannabis plants were reportedly found in the basement area of this building — a discovery that prompted an urgent police investigation under the operation code-named “Kurtaj.”
Hasa was initially declared wanted by police after the discovery, but has since voluntarily turned himself in to authorities to provide his side of the story and offer full cooperation with ongoing investigations. Law enforcement confirmed that he is now in custody while investigators work to clarify his involvement in the illegal activity.
🧠 Statements and Denials
Facing intense scrutiny, Bilal Hasa has denied any direct involvement with the illegal cultivation operation, asserting that he had not visited the premises linked to the cannabis farm for several months and claimed ignorance of the illicit activity taking place there. This defense has been noted in multiple news reports detailing his surrender and initial police statements.
In addition to Hasa’s legal situation, another individual has been declared wanted in connection with the case — identified as the local head of the OSHEE energy provider for the Peqin region. Authorities are investigating claims that illegal electrical connections were made to power the indoor cannabis cultivation setup, deepening the complexity of the case.
🧑⚖️ Political Reaction and Public Outcry
The incident has sparked a wave of reactions from political figures and critics alike. Flamur Noka, Secretary General of the Democratic Party (PD), sharply criticized the development in a social media post, highlighting what he called a “narcostate with a hat” — a pointed jab at authorities perceived to be turning a blind eye to illegal activities. Noka’s comments underscore ongoing frustration among political opponents of the government with how drug-related crimes are handled in Albania.
Public response has been just as vociferous, with many viewing the uncovering of such a large cannabis operation — linked directly to a high-ranking official — as emblematic of deeper issues in governance and law enforcement transparency.
📌 Broader Context
Albania has a long history of grappling with illegal cannabis cultivation. Large-scale raids and government efforts to dismantle illegal grow operations, especially in rural regions like Lazarat, have been central to national anti-drug policy for years. While that infamous raid dates back to 2014 when authorities moved against one of Europe’s largest illicit cannabis zones, the recent case involving a prison director reignites scrutiny over both the prevalence of narcotics cultivation and the integrity of officials tasked with combating