Gang bosses in the Western Balkans, including Albanians, are taking refuge in the United Arab Emirates.

In the last two decades, these groups have become key actors in the global drug trade.

Heroin, cannabis, and a lucrative cocaine network from Latin America are some of the most common drugs found in the Balkan market.

This is the conclusion of a report by the Global Initiative. The criminal groups are divided into three categories, the “workers” living in the countries where cocaine is produced, the “traders” who serve as the middlemen where the sale takes place, and the bosses who live in the United Arab Emirates, together with their money.