Interior Minister Taulant Balla today held a meeting with local government structures in Saranda, where he declared that the phenomenon of environmental crimes must end once and for all.

Balla emphasized that Saranda, known as the “Maldives of Europe”, should be protected and requested exemplary intervention for anyone who “kills” the environment.

“I am in Saranda today with the concern that comes from the fact that the State Police identified two days ago, several constructions without permission, precisely in one of the most beautiful areas of Albanian tourism, such as Ksamili. And I want to remind the Mayor and all other law enforcement structures that for us, environmental crime is intolerable. And we must do everything in the coming days, weeks and months to increase our presence and control over the territory. It is true, we are very proud of the fact that Saranda, Ksamil and all the other tourist destinations covered by the municipality of Saranda are today on the pages of the world’s leading newspapers and media, with the most beautiful titles such as, “Caribbean of Europe”, or “Maldives of Europe”. But we must do what is possible for this wealth that God and nature have given us, we do what is possible to protect them. And therefore it is very important to increase our presence and control in the territory” – said Balla.

In his speech, Minister Balla did not fail to mention the phenomenon of arson, where he emphasized that this constitutes a criminal offense and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Balla also asked for better cooperation and coordination between the relevant institutions.