A 23-year-old Albanian man wanted by Italian authorities on charges of drug trafficking and participation in a criminal organization has been arrested in the coastal city of Durrës pending his extradition to Italy.
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| Specialized officers from FAST Albania escort suspect L. B. following his arrest in Durrës. The 23-year-old was targeted in an international law enforcement operation based on an arrest warrant issued by the Court of Brescia for alleged drug trafficking and involvement in an organized criminal network. |
Arrest Made During International "Fast" Operation
According to the Albanian State Police, the arrest was carried out as part of the international law enforcement operation codenamed "Fast." The operation was conducted by FAST Albania, a specialized unit within the Operational Special Force Directorate, in cooperation with the Durrës Local Police Directorate.
Authorities said the operation was made possible through close cooperation between Interpol Tirana and Interpol Rome, including an intensive exchange of intelligence that led to the suspect's location and arrest in Durrës.
Wanted for Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime
Italian authorities allege that L. B. was a member of a criminal organization involved in the production, sale, and trafficking of illegal narcotics.
The arrest warrant issued by the Court of Brescia includes charges of drug production and trafficking as well as participation in a criminal group engaged in narcotics trafficking, offenses punishable under the Italian Criminal Code.
Extradition Proceedings Underway
Following his provisional arrest, Albanian authorities have initiated extradition procedures.
The Albanian State Police confirmed that Interpol Tirana is continuing to work closely with its counterparts in Rome to complete the legal process that will allow the 23-year-old suspect to be transferred to Italy, where he is expected to face prosecution.