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Drugs from South America to Europe, international cocaine network dismantled, 5 arrested in Albania

Politiko 2025-01-21 14:26:44

Drugs from South America to Europe, international cocaine network dismantled, 5

A criminal group that trafficked cocaine from South America to Italy and other Central European countries has been dismantled through a wide-ranging international operation, in which Albanian authorities played an important role.

As part of this mega-operation, codenamed "ICARO.AL" and initiated by the Italian authorities, five people have been arrested in Albania:

Igli Dervishi, 30 years old, resident of Elbasan
Shkëlqim Pashja, 44 years old, resident of Elbasan
Ervin Dema, 40 years old, resident of Elbasan
Edmond Zhuja, 41 years old, resident of Shkodër
Genti Berisha, 28 years old, resident of Tirana
These citizens have been placed in handcuffs with the aim of extradition to Italy, where they are accused of participating in a structured criminal group and international drug trafficking.

Successes of the operation at the international level
Thanks to information provided by the Albanian Police, another member of the group, GP, 48 years old, also known by the identity AP, a person with a criminal record, was arrested in Spain.

Also, another suspected member of the group, citizen MM, 28 years old, has been identified and declared wanted in Albania, who is also accused of other criminal offenses. The Structures for the Investigation of Organized Crime and international partners are working to locate and arrest him.

Details of the criminal activity
According to the Brescia Court in Italy, the criminal group trafficked cocaine through vehicles modified to conceal the drug, then distributing it to Italian cities and Central European countries.

Operation “ICARO.AL” involved close cooperation between the Albanian Police, the General Directorate of the State Police, SPAK, Guardia di Finanza and Interpol Tirana. In total, 12 people have been arrested so far as part of this mega-operation, while 8 others are under investigation.

The investigative materials have been submitted to SPAK for further legal action, while efforts to finalize the extraditions are ongoing.

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