The State Police has issued a statement about the ongoing nationwide mega anti-cannabis police operation codenamed “Focus”. This operation involves the active participation of local police directorates in all regions, the Border Police, and the National Guard.

During one operation in the village of Zall Herr, a military unit was subjected to a thorough check, resulting in the discovery and destruction of 125 cultivated cannabis plants.

The Police have made arrests in flagrante delicto for abuse of duty, involving three military unit personnel. Among those arrested are G. M., aged 52, who held the position of Chief of Security Section, R. K., aged 25, working as a Specialist for Detection, and G. Zh., aged 45, serving as a Security Specialist.

In addition to the arrests, four other individuals are facing penalties. These include A. J., aged 41, an Infrastructure Specialist, P. H., aged 52, the Deputy/Commander of the unit, I. D., aged 47, a Storekeeper, and P. D., aged 57, the Unit Commander.

According to the police, these individuals, by abusing their authority and neglecting their duties, allowed the cultivation of narcotic plants within the premises of the military unit.

The Ministry of Defense has promptly responded to the detention of the military personnel by suspending all responsible individuals from their duties.

“We strongly condemn any illegal activities. We encourage law enforcement agencies to perform their duties diligently in every case,” stated Defense Minister Niko Peleshi on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Minister of Interior Taulant Balla stated that the fight against cultivation, trafficking, and distribution of narcotics will be systematic.

Through a Facebook update, Balla praised the State Police, which has engaged more than 6,000 police forces and 75 high-quality drones in anti-cannabis operations.

“The fight against cultivation, trafficking, and distribution of narcotics will be systematic. Albanians expect a cleansing of our territory from illegal cultivation of narcotic plants.”

Balla expressed determination that the crackdown on crime will continue, and the results are evident, with 12 people arrested so far, including state employees, and 10 others undergoing criminal procedures.

This week’s operations have seen the deployment of 6,000 police officers and 75 high-quality drones for territory control and the destruction of narcotic plants. The results have been significant, with approximately 17,000 cannabis sativa plants and 100 cubic meters of cultivated cannabis seeds eradicated. Furthermore, law enforcement has successfully seized substantial amounts of money in various currencies, a hunting rifle, and other illicit items.

The mega anti-cannabis police operation “Focus” continues to be active across the country, employing a comprehensive approach involving ground services, aerial monitoring with police drones, and close cooperation with the National Guard.

“Illegal cannabis cultivation has been a source of financing for criminal organizations. This source must be completely eradicated. More powerful strikes are coming,” warned Minister Balla.