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Police at the Port of Durrës have uncovered a significant amount of hidden gold and silver jewelry on a bus entering the country.
The police have initiated criminal proceedings against the two bus drivers and have issued a search warrant for the intended recipient of the jewelry, as it is suspected to have been obtained through criminal activities.
"The joint operational plan between the Border and Migration Department and the British Embassy in Tirana continues, aimed at preventing and cracking down on border crimes.
A case of attempted smuggling of valuable items into Albania without declaration, suspected to be the proceeds of criminal activity, has been identified and thwarted.
Two bus drivers were criminally charged after the discovery of these items. Meanwhile, the police have identified the recipient and are working intensively to apprehend him.
A quantity of gold and silver jewelry, two cell phones, and two passports were seized. Based on risk analysis and the use of modern control methods implemented under the joint operational plan of the Border and Migration Department and the British Embassy in Tirana, the Durrës Border and Migration Directorate successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle undeclared valuable items into Albania.
During a secondary inspection of the bus, driven by E. N., 34, and F. R., 37, a quantity of gold and silver jewelry was found, suspected to have been acquired through criminal activity. Following procedural actions, both individuals were released but remain under investigation for the criminal offenses of 'Failure to Declare Money or Valuable Items at the Border' and 'Acquisition of Money or Goods Derived from Criminal Offenses or Criminal Activity.'
Subsequently, investigations identified M. T., 59, who is suspected to have been waiting for the jewelry in Albania, and he is now wanted by the police. Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend him.
The case has been referred to the Prosecutor's Office at the Durrës First Instance Court for further action," the police report.