A joint conference between the Albanian State Police and the Italian authorities was held on Tuesday, focusing on bilateral cooperation in the fight against cannabis cultivation.
During his remarks, the Director of the Albanian State Police, Ilir Proda, provided detailed information about recent actions taken in this area.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation with Italian institutions, noting that joint operations have significantly reduced cases of illegal cannabis cultivation across Albanian territory.
“It is both a pleasure and a professional responsibility to be here today, together, at this important conference — which for many years has represented one of the most successful models of cooperation between the State Police and the Italian authorities,”
said Proda, underlining that the fight against cannabis cultivation remains a strategic priorityfor the Albanian police.
According to him, the 2025 Action Plan focused on preventing and cracking down on drug cultivation through coordinated central and local operations, inter-institutional and international cooperation, and increased citizen awareness.
Proda highlighted that during 2025, 812 awareness meetings were held with over 16,000 citizens and the participation of nearly 3,000 police officers.
The police also conducted 217,119 territorial inspections, totaling 330,000 service hours, checking greenhouses, warehouses, abandoned houses, tunnels, and open areas.
The number of drones used in monitoring operations increased to 76, and the electronic “GIS-NARKOTIK” system provided comprehensive data and analytical reports for tracking cannabis cultivation.
The Ministry of Defense also assisted with helicopter transport to reach remote mountain areas.
“We did not stop at ground or aerial controls. Police structures worked proactively to gather intelligence and launch criminal investigations,” Proda said.
In the first ten months of 2025, the police secured 6,917 intelligence reports and launched 104 proactive investigations into suspected cultivation.
They also seized over 10,000 cannabis seeds and dismantled 10 indoor growing setups, arresting 31 individuals, including employees of the power distribution company (OSHEE).
Proda noted that during this period, authorities destroyed 203,960 cannabis plants, of which 106,894 were detected through aerial monitoring and 97,066 through ground inspections.
The Shkodra region once again recorded the highest cultivation risk in the country, with over 105,000 plants destroyed.
In total, police uncovered 580 cultivation cases involving 191 suspects, 106 of whom were arrested. Compared to 2024, this represents a reduction of 132 cases and over 58,000 fewer cannabis plants destroyed.
“Integrity and determination have been the foundation of our success,” Proda said, noting that 163 individuals, including local officials and public employees, were prosecuted for abuse of office or failure to report crimes.
He concluded by reaffirming the police’s commitment to strengthen technological capacity, expand cooperation with international partners — especially the Italian Police and Guardia di Finanza — and further reduce cannabis cultivation attempts.
“Our determination is clear and unwavering. We will continue investing in technology and international cooperation, because this is the only path that guarantees long-term success,” Proda emphasized.
