Tirana police have arrested four individuals accused of selling ecstasy in the bustling entertainment district known as “Ish-Blloku.” The suspects, identified as Ergis Noka, Drin Vjerdha, Kristofor Pandelejmoni, and Mario Çerra, are reportedly journalists working for a local news portal. The arrests were made following a targeted operation by the city’s anti-drug unit, and the case has drawn significant public attention.
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| One of the arrested persons is accompanied by two police officers |
According to A2 CNN, the four suspects operated out of a rented office in the Ish-Blloku area, which served as a base not only for their journalistic endeavors but also for their drug distribution activities. Law enforcement officials revealed that the office doubled as a storage and logistics hub for narcotics, with ecstasy being their primary product.
During the police raid, several pieces of equipment typically used for cultivating cannabis were seized. Investigators suspect that the group was also involved in growing cannabis in undisclosed locations, potentially operating a larger drug network. Preliminary evidence points to the ecstasy being sourced through supply chains in Kosovo and Serbia, further complicating the investigation with cross-border elements.
The pricing of the illicit substance has also been disclosed: ecstasy tablets were reportedly sold at wholesale prices of 10,000 lekë, while individual tablets were sold for as much as 30,000 lekë. These figures highlight the profitability of their operations, particularly in an area frequented by affluent clientele and partygoers.
Police are now working to unravel the full extent of the group’s activities, including potential collaborators and links to other criminal networks. The arrests have sparked debates about the ethical responsibilities of media professionals and the extent to which some individuals might exploit their positions for illegal gain.
The Ish-Blloku area, once a restricted zone for Albania’s communist elite, has transformed in recent years into a vibrant hub for nightlife and business. However, this transformation has also brought challenges, including increased reports of drug-related activity. This latest incident underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat drug trafficking in one of Tirana’s most dynamic and densely populated neighborhoods.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, the arrests serve as a stark reminder of how criminal activities can infiltrate even seemingly unrelated sectors, such as journalism, raising questions about the integrity and accountability of professionals in such roles.