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Four drug trafficking groups were struck on Monday following a joint investigation between SPAK (Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime) and the Florence Prosecutor's Office. Not only were these groups dominated by Albanian nationals, but they were also directed by them. The investigation, which involved environmental and telephone wiretapping, as well as data from SKY ECC and ENCHROCHAT, resulted in 67 arrests in Albania, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, shedding light on the role of each individual involved.
For the first criminal group, Italian investigators identify Kledjon Muçollari as the organizer, coordinator, and leader of the illegal activities. He is suspected of managing the procurement of cocaine in the Netherlands and hashish in Spain and Albania, maintaining contacts with suppliers, acquiring the drugs, and redistributing them. Ervis Vangjeli was responsible for maintaining contacts with cocaine clients in Italy, while Kristian Ibrahimaj acted as the courier. Additionally, several other individuals, including Alban Mahilaj and Klaudia Sulejmani, provided their homes or garages for storing narcotics.
In the second group, Spiro Petro played the role of the organizer, overseeing the procurement of hashish and marijuana in Albania and coordinating drug couriers, two of whom were Italian nationals.
According to the joint Albanian-Italian investigation, the third group was involved in purchasing and transporting large quantities of cocaine and hashish using vehicles with double-bottom compartments. Armand Meco was the organizer of this group, sourcing cocaine internationally and coordinating its transportation. His close collaborator, Fael Xhelili, also served as the group's accountant.
The suspect Erando Mara, according to the investigation, was responsible for transporting cocaine from the Netherlands and Germany to Italy, while Eraldo and Indrit Kolgjokaj supplied the organization with modified vehicles for drug transportation.
As for the fourth group, Prelë Kolnikaj served as the organizer, coordinating and financing operations and overseeing the preparation of groups for future shipments. Rudina Macoraj and Lazër Pervataj were among his collaborators, according to investigators.