A joint operation between Albania and Italy, with Europol support, has dismantled a drug trafficking network led by Albanian brothers, responsible for smuggling drugs from South America to Europe. The coordinated raid resulted in 29 arrests across five countries, dealing a severe blow to the network’s money-laundering operations.
Key Points
- Major Operation: Albania and Italy targeted a criminal network trafficking drugs to EU markets, seizing assets and arresting 29 suspects (27 in Italy, 2 in Albania) on November 5, 2024.
- €70 Million in Drugs: Cocaine and other drugs worth an estimated €70 million were hidden in shipments of exotic fruit from South America, distributed by the network across the EU.
- Extensive Seizures: Since 2021, authorities confiscated over 2,000 kg of cocaine, 20 kg of marijuana, and 46 kg of hashish, hitting the network hard.
- Sophisticated Money Laundering: Europol provided vital support, identifying money-laundering patterns and facilitating an action day with Eurojust, marking a significant enforcement success.
Short Narrative
In a bold strike against organized crime, Albanian and Italian law enforcement agencies, with Europol’s assistance, have disrupted a high-value drug trafficking and money-laundering network. Led by two Albanian brothers, the network managed multimillion-euro shipments of drugs, primarily cocaine, from South America into Europe under the guise of fruit imports. Arrests and raids were executed in Albania, Italy, France, Spain, and Romania, with Europol’s experts coordinating data and tracking the network’s financial flows. The operation is a testament to growing cross-border cooperation in targeting organized crime.
Actionable Insight
This case highlights the growing sophistication in both smuggling methods and international law enforcement cooperation. The operation sets a precedent for leveraging Europol’s expertise in financial crime to combat organized drug trafficking networks.
Call for Information
FinTelegram invites any individuals with knowledge about similar trafficking operations or networks operating within the EU to come forward. Your insights could contribute to ongoing investigations and help safeguard European communities.
