Cocaine trafficking in Albania increased by 27.6% in 2025, profits invested in construction and tourism

Cocaine trafficking cases in Albania increased by almost 27.6% during 2025, while the quantities seized decreased, a development that authorities link to the changing modus operandi of criminal networks and the use of more covert methods of drug trafficking.

According to the National Strategy for the Prevention and Fight against Organized Crime and Serious Crime 2026–2030, cocaine trafficking remains one of the most important threats to the country, due to high profits, connections to international criminal networks, and the use of proceeds for money laundering.

The document says that, despite the increase in detected cases, the decrease in seized quantities may indicate that criminal groups are adapting to pressure from law enforcement institutions. They are using more sophisticated methods for transporting, hiding, processing and distributing narcotics.

During the period 2024–2025, about 58% of organized crime groups operating nationwide were involved in narcotics-related activities. Drug production and trafficking are considered the dominant and most profitable criminal activity for these structures.

Profits are invested in construction and tourism.

The strategy assesses that cocaine trafficking is not only a problem of public order and security. The profits generated from this activity increase the financial power of criminal groups and fuel corruption and money laundering.

Construction and tourism are mentioned among the sectors where illicit income could be injected. The large amounts of money generated by cocaine are reinvested in sectors of the legal economy, creating risks for competition, the real estate market and the integrity of businesses.

The document also raises concerns about the involvement of young people in the distribution and trade of cocaine in consumption doses. Trafficking is also associated with the use of violence and weapons, due to conflicts between groups that control markets and supply routes.

Investigations will target organizers, logistics and money

In the face of this trend, the strategy foresees a shift from investigations focused solely on the seizure of narcotics to operations led by intelligence and technology.

The State Police should make more extensive use of criminal intelligence, analytical tools, and surveillance capabilities to identify and crack down on drug-related networks.

In areas assessed as high risk, the installation and use of technological detection systems is envisaged, including scanners, drones and mobile surveillance units.

For this reason, one of the main measures envisaged is the initiation of proactive investigations and the use of special investigative techniques. Priority should be given to cases with cross-border elements and those involving significant financial gains.

Investigations will target not only the people who transport or distribute drugs, but also the organizers, financiers, facilitators, logistical chains and assets generated by criminal activity.

Strengthening cooperation between the State Police, SPAK, the National Bureau of Investigation, the General Prosecutor's Office, Customs, the State Intelligence Service and international partners is also envisaged.

Medical cannabis and money laundering controls

The strategy also includes measures to control cannabis cultivated under license for medical or industrial purposes.

The National Cannabis Control Agency must identify cases where cultivated quantities deviate from the permits issued, verify the destruction of unauthorized production, and refer violations for administrative or criminal measures.

Information collected under the cannabis law should be exchanged with the State Police, SPAK, BKH and prosecutors, to identify illegal production, trafficking and money laundering that may be related to this activity.

The document also provides for amending the law on the control of substances used in the illegal manufacture of narcotics and its approximation with European Union legislation.

For the objective of reducing the production, availability and trafficking of narcotics, a total cost of 1.66 billion lek is foreseen for the period 2026–2030, or about 17.9 million euros. /Ekofin.al