In a significant operation, a 38-year-old man wanted by Italian authorities for drug trafficking was arrested in Elbasan, Albania, with the intention of extraditing him back to Italy. The suspect, identified as O. B., is a resident of Belsh and had been on the international wanted list.
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| Screenshot while the drug trafficking suspect is escorted by police officers |
The arrest was made possible through information gathered by the Narcotics and Illegal Trafficking Investigation Sector, which was then shared with Interpol Tirana. Working in collaboration with the Operational Force of the Elbasan Regional Police Directorate, law enforcement successfully localized, apprehended, and arrested O. B. to facilitate his extradition.
According to police reports, the Florence Court in Italy had previously issued a custody order for O. B., categorizing him as a suspect in the crime of “Trafficking in narcotic substances,” as outlined in the Italian Penal Code.
The procedural materials related to the case have been forwarded to the Elbasan Prosecutor's Office to continue the extradition process. Interpol Tirana is actively cooperating with Italian authorities to ensure that O. B. is returned to face justice for his alleged crimes.
This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts of Albanian law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and enhance collaboration with international agencies to maintain regional security.