A major investigation into organized crime in Albania has taken a new turn after prosecutors revealed another international cocaine trafficking episode connected to the infamous drug laboratory discovered in Frakull, Fier. The case, handled by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK), highlights the complex network behind one of the country’s most significant drug trafficking operations in recent years.
Authorities say the latest developments stem from ongoing investigations into the cocaine processing laboratory discovered in the village of Frakull. The new findings show links to an additional trafficking episode involving cocaine transported from Colombia toward Albania.
The Expanding Investigation
According to prosecutors, the number of individuals identified in connection with the case has now reached 15 suspects. Out of these, 10 people have already been convicted, while five others were recently identified and remain under investigation.
SPAK has issued security measures against five individuals connected to the new episode. Authorities have arrested three suspects, while two others have been declared wanted and are currently being sought by law enforcement agencies.
The investigation is being carried out in cooperation with the Albanian State Police and international partners, reflecting the transnational nature of cocaine trafficking networks that operate between Latin America and Europe.
The 485 Kilograms of Cocaine Case
The investigation traces back to a major seizure of 485.5 kilograms of cocaine, discovered on November 24, 2022, in Frakull, a village in the Fier region. The drugs had been hidden inside a shipment labeled as artificial organic fertilizer, a method commonly used by trafficking groups to conceal narcotics in international trade cargo.
Authorities believe the shipment originated from Colombia and was transported through several international routes before reaching Albania. The drugs were eventually brought to a property in Frakull, where investigators say a laboratory had been set up to process the cocaine.
The discovery of this laboratory shocked Albanian authorities because it indicated that the country was not only a transit route but also a processing hub for international drug trafficking.
Former Local Official Among the Convicted
One of the most notable figures linked to the case is Viktor Çervanaku, the former head of the Frakull commune. Investigators revealed that the cocaine processing laboratory was discovered inside a residence owned by him.
Çervanaku and several members of his family were implicated in the criminal network, along with other suspects accused of participating in the trafficking and processing of cocaine.
In total, ten Albanian citizens have already been convicted in connection with the case, including Nikolin Gjolena, Denilson Çervanaku, Klajdi Vrioni (alias Klajdi Kodra), Zenel Çervanaku, Enxhi Ferhati, Redion Meshi, Julian Malaj, Bledar Matoshi and Marildo Rona. The trial against Colombian national Samir Rosales Rodriguez, believed to be involved in the organization, is still ongoing.
Earlier court rulings also confirmed significant prison sentences for members of the group, highlighting the seriousness of the charges and the scale of the operation.
International Drug Trafficking Network
Investigators believe the operation was part of a broader organized criminal network connecting South American cocaine producers with distribution networks in Europe.
The cocaine shipment had reportedly been transported through several ports before reaching the Port of Bar in Montenegro, and later entering Albania by land. Once inside the country, it was transported to Frakull where the processing laboratory was located.
Authorities say the case demonstrates the sophisticated logistics used by drug trafficking organizations, which often exploit global trade routes to move narcotics across continents.
Seizures and Evidence
During the investigation, law enforcement officials carried out searches in several locations, including homes, vehicles, and properties connected to the suspects. As part of the operation, authorities confiscated multiple luxury vehicles, including several Land Rover models such as Range Rover Sport, Evoque, Discovery and Velar, along with mobile phones believed to contain important evidence.
These assets are suspected to have been purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking activities.
A Landmark Case for Albanian Justice
The Frakull cocaine laboratory case has become one of the most high-profile organized crime investigations in Albania in recent years.
For Albanian prosecutors, the case represents an important test of the country’s judicial reforms and the effectiveness of SPAK, the specialized institution created to fight corruption and organized crime.
The discovery of such a large-scale cocaine operation within Albania raised serious concerns about the country’s role in international drug trafficking networks. However, authorities say the ongoing investigations and arrests demonstrate a stronger commitment to tackling organized crime.
The Investigation Continues
With five additional suspects now under investigation and two still on the run, authorities believe that the network behind the Frakull cocaine laboratory may extend even further.
SPAK officials have indicated that investigations are ongoing and that further arrests are possible as new evidence emerges.
For Albania, the case remains a critical example of how international cooperation between prosecutors, police forces, and partner agencies is essential to combat complex criminal networks that operate across borders.