Anti-drug operation in Korçë: 4 arrested. Drugs and weapons seized

Korca Police Directorate – Operation “Coordination” Successfully Concluded

A coordinated police operation, named “Coordination,” was conducted by the Narcotics Investigation Sector in Korçë, in collaboration with the Illegal Trafficking Investigation Section of the Tirana Police Directorate and the Kavaja Police Station.

Operation Highlights:

• A case of cocaine distribution in doses was dismantled.
• Four individuals were arrested (including one Turkish national), and one individual was charged but left at liberty.
• Items seized included:
  • 57 grams of cocaine,
  • 1 firearm (pistol),
  • Approximately €9,000 in cash,
  • 5 mobile phones,
  • 3 biometric passports,
  • 1 vehicle flagged by Interpol Rome.

Details of the Operation:
The Narcotics Investigation Specialists in Korçë acted on intelligence suggesting that individuals from Rrogozhina were traveling to Korçë to transport narcotics. Further information from the Illegal Trafficking Investigation Section in Tirana indicated that a vehicle with foreign license plates, flagged by Interpol Rome, was suspected to be used by individuals distributing cocaine.

The operation was swiftly organized, and the suspected vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz with foreign plates, was intercepted at the entrance to Korçë. The car, driven by a 40-year-old man (A.D.), was carrying three passengers: a Turkish citizen (O. Ç., 44), a 17-year-old female, and a 34-year-old man (E. Xh.).

During the search of the vehicle, police discovered:

• 57 grams of cocaine,
• Approximately €9,000 in cash.

Subsequent searches by Kavaja police at the suspects’ residences in Rrogozhina uncovered a firearm (pistol) at the Turkish national’s home.

Arrests and Charges:

1. A.D., 40, from Rrogozhina, charged with:
   • Drug production and distribution (in collaboration),
   • Trafficking of motor vehicles.
2. O. Ç., 44, Turkish citizen, charged with:
   • Drug production and distribution (in collaboration),
   • Illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
3. E. Xh., 34, from Rrogozhina, charged with:
   • Drug production and distribution (in collaboration).
4. 17-year-old female, charged with:
   • Drug production and distribution (in collaboration).
5. G. K., 20, from Rrogozhina, implicated in the same activities, was charged but not detained.

The Prosecution Office continues to lead efforts to fully document the legal aspects of the case. All procedural materials have been forwarded for further action.

CREATED by:

“KORÇA BOOM”