Euronews Albania has obtained the full dossier of Operation “URA,” offering a clearer picture of how the criminal group and its sub-divisions functioned. In one case, there was an attempt to traffic cocaine from Peru using the suitcases of diplomatic personnel, while in Rotterdam, a shipment of 2.2 tons of drugs was seized.
The full SPAK file reveals additional episodes involving the Durrës-based group led by Elvis Doçi, also known as “Visi i Pojës,” who evaded arrest during Operation “URA” conducted in cooperation with Italy’s Bari anti-mafia unit.
According to decrypted SKY ECC messages, the group took concrete steps to traffic drugs using the luggage of individuals holding diplomatic passports who were stationed in Lima, Nicaragua, and Guatemala in July 2020.
Investigations and exchanged photos in the encrypted chat show that group members had detailed knowledge about container numbers, shipping companies, the vessels carrying the cargo, and the exact departure and arrival dates.
In one case, $500,000 was paid to secure 500 kg of cocaine in Guayaquil, Ecuador, intended for trafficking into Europe.
The money was transferred through the informal financial system known as “Hawala,” which allows money to be moved without physically transferring funds.
Additionally, several episodes involving the transport of cash by bus into Albania have been uncovered, with amounts ranging from €42,000 to €280,000 across dozens of deliveries totaling €4 million.
Elvis Doçi, in cooperation with other unidentified individuals, is also suspected by SPAK of being involved in the trafficking of 2.2 tons of cocaine seized in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
