Operation 'Ura', SPAK with official announcement: 52 security measures, millions of euros seized in Albania and Italy

The Special Prosecution Office has issued an official announcement regarding the joint operation between Italy and Eurojust 'Ura', which targeted a group involved in international drug trafficking and laundering of the proceeds of criminal activity.

In this operation, 52 security measures were issued, of which 40 were Albanians and 12 Italians. 

SPAK announces that in Albania, 2 construction companies, 4 trading companies and restaurants, 1 real estate agency, 1 cable TV, luxury vehicles, cash, etc. have been seized. Previously, 3 million euros in "cash" were seized during the investigations.

Meanwhile, in Italy, 9 apartments, 4 companies, 7 bank accounts, 3 vehicles have been seized as part of the "preventive seizure" measure.

SPAK announcement:

International operation against drug trafficking and money laundering: 52 security measures and millions of euros seized in Albania and Italy

As part of a joint international investigation, the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime and the Republic Prosecutor's Office at the Bar Court (DDA), with the support of Eurojust and through the establishment of a Joint Investigation Team, executed today, May 21, 2025, a large-scale operation against international drug trafficking and laundering of the proceeds of criminal activity.

The operation resulted in 52 personal security measures, namely:

29 security measures imposed by the Special Court for members of criminal groups operating in Albania;
1 detention order issued by the Special Prosecutor's Office;
22 security measures imposed by the Bari Court in Italy.
In total, 40 Albanian citizens and 12 Italian citizens have been prosecuted, involved in three organized criminal groups – one based in Durrës and two others in the Puglia region, Italy.

During investigations conducted in the period 2020–2025, 40 episodes of drug trafficking were documented, including the seizure of significant quantities of heroin and cocaine in Albania, Italy and other European countries. One of the episodes involved the transport of 255 kg of heroin and cocaine to Bari, via international couriers.

The asset seizures were carried out in parallel in both countries and include:

In Albania:

2 construction companies,
4 trading companies and restaurants,
1 real estate agency,
1 cable TV,
luxury vehicles, cash, etc.
Previously, 3 million euros in "cash" were seized during the investigation.

In Italy:

9 apartments,
4 companies,
7 bank accounts,
3 vehicles, seized as part of the "preventive seizure" measure.
The investigations were based on advanced investigative methods such as telephone and environmental interceptions, video recordings, observations and controls, analysis of encrypted communications on the SKYECC platform, and testimony from three justice collaborators.

Authorities identified that payments for narcotics were made from Italy to Albania through drivers of international bus lines, while the total value of documented drug transactions reached 4.5 million euros.

Also, the transfer of over 500 thousand dollars from Albania to Latin America has been documented, as a down payment for a quantity of 500 kg of cocaine departing from Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The proceedings are currently in the preliminary investigation phase, and law enforcement authorities in both countries are continuing to work to identify other persons involved in criminal and corrupt activity.