A joint investigation by the Prosecution Office of Brescia in Italy and Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has led to the dismantling of a group involved in trafficking cocaine from South America to Italy and other Central European countries. The operation, executed on Tuesday by law enforcement authorities from both nations, resulted in 12 arrest warrants and eight additional security measures. In Albania, five individuals were arrested, one was declared wanted, and another arrest was carried out by Spanish police.
Leadership of the Criminal Network
The network was led by two Albanian brothers, believed to be part of the criminal organization headed by the Çela brothers, notorious figures from Elbasan’s underworld. These brothers are suspected of managing all operations, from the importation of cocaine to its distribution and the collection of proceeds, which were subsequently transferred to Albania.
Origins of the Investigation
The investigation reportedly began in the second half of 2020, following the discovery of a cocaine distribution network in several bars around the Lago di Garda area in Italy. The operation was conducted under the supervision of EUROJUST as part of a joint investigative team between the Brescia Prosecution Office and SPAK.
According to SPAK, “Following the identification of cocaine suppliers, the investigation reconstructed the organizational structure of the Italo-Albanian network responsible for importing large quantities of narcotics from South America. The two Albanian brothers provided instructions to a trusted group in the Brescia area and other provinces in northern Italy, where they conducted widespread importation and sale of narcotics, primarily cocaine.” SPAK further stated, “This organization facilitated all phases of trafficking, from storage and distribution to collecting proceeds, which were then delivered to the organization’s leaders in Albania through a sophisticated system involving bus drivers on the Brescia-Elbasan route.”
Encrypted Communication and International Connections
Members of the organization used encrypted phones to communicate. The analysis of their conversations revealed their involvement in trafficking hundreds of kilograms of cocaine. “The investigation confirmed that the leaders of this organization regularly traveled to Colombia, Ecuador, and the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, to arrange deals with suppliers,” SPAK noted. Several Albanian traffickers are known to operate in these locations.
Broader Impact
This case highlights the extensive international cooperation required to combat organized crime and the evolving methods used by traffickers to evade detection. The dismantling of this network marks a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking and money laundering in Europe.