Following a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Todd Robinson, the Director General of the State Police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, held talks with DEA Deputy Administrator George Papadopoulos during the Annual Conference of the International Association of Police Chiefs in San Diego, California.
The State Police’s press office disclosed that the primary focus of their discussion was the enhancement of collaboration in the fight against narcotics.
“Papadopoulos stressed the crucial nature of this cooperation given Albania’s strategic location and its role as one of the trafficking routes for potent narcotics. He emphasized the necessity to sustain and fortify this partnership, elevating it to even greater levels of representation,” conveyed the State Police.
“Papadopoulos reiterated the DEA’s continuous appreciation for the close cooperation with law enforcement agencies in Albania as the right course of action. He expressed gratitude to the General Director for the cooperative spirit and support extended to DEA representatives covering Albania. Papadopoulos extended his thanks to the General Director of the State Police and, through him, to the structures responsible for investigating organized crime for their effective real-time information sharing and immediate responsiveness to the information provided,” according to the statement.
In response, the Director General of the State Police conveyed his appreciation to Papadopoulos for the meeting and expressed gratitude for the trust that DEA had placed in the State Police, particularly for the valuable information shared.
The General Director provided the high-level DEA representatives with insights into the changes within the State Police organization, encompassing both structural and managerial adjustments. These changes are in alignment with the positive developments occurring within the broader justice institutions.
“Throughout the meeting, the General Director highlighted the excellent level of cooperation maintained with the agency’s representatives, as well as the FBI and the CIA, in areas falling under their respective competencies. Concurrently, he recognized the imperative of fortifying this collaboration to optimally address recent developments, particularly the surge in criminal activities orchestrated by Albanian drug trafficking groups. Of utmost significance is the prevention of serious crimes incited by disputes between criminal factions, predominantly active in the countries of origin of potent narcotics,” detailed the statement.
The General Director underscored the unwavering commitment of the State Police to the prevention and suppression of powerful drugs and reassured DEA counterparts of the State Police’s dedication. He emphasized that the State Police will continue to be a trustworthy and reliable partner available at all times and for all purposes. The General Director expressed gratitude to the DEA, particularly for their support during a recent police operation that led to the dismantling of one of the most prominent figures in organized crime. This individual had been involved in criminal activities within Albania for the past two decades, concluding the statement.
