Dozens of tons of heroin trafficked with Albanian state actors help: Yuri Kim

 Yuri Kim

 The US Embassy in Tirana Yuri Kim participated together with the EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca in a meeting with the donors of the Ministry of Interior, where he gave a speech on the fight against organized crime and corruption.

 At the meeting with the donors of the Ministry of Interior

After expressing optimism about the cleansing of the justice system as a result of the reform, Kim stated that drug and migrant trafficking has increased mostly in the region and Albania. According to her, this traffic occurs with the help of state actors and corruption.

"According to UNODC, about 60-65 tons of heroin are smuggled into the region during the year. This shows that trafficking can only happen with the help of state actors. Trafficking in human beings has also increased. Thousands of emigrants pass through Albania to the EU. Corruption plays a role in this. Organized crime groups continue to launder money. What we are talking about here today is how the Ministry of Interior can make Albania a better place for everyone. Transparency and accountability must be increased," said Yuri Kim.

Kim has warned that removing judges and prosecutors and clearing politics of corrupt elements is just the beginning. Kim said the only way to fight organized crime is to have independent institutions that support law enforcement.

Luigi Soreca and Blendi Çuçi

On the other hand, Luigi Soreca said that "Fighting organized crime, corruption, and environmental crimes, as well as managing migration, are the key priorities for the EU and for Albania on its EU accession path. Improving local governance & road safety is also essential. The EU will continue to support Albania to pursue these goals. At the same time, the Albanian administration must ensure accountability and transparency for the significant EU financial investment and should pursue this as a key objective of its planning and programming activities."