Vlora, June 09 (Albania Journal) – Albanian State Police have released details of a major operation in Vlora (Vlorë) that dismantled a criminal group described as highly dangerous.
Six people were arrested during the operation, including the alleged leader of the group and five suspected members. Police said the group was involved in violent crimes and drug-related activities in the cities of Vlora (Vlorë) and Fier.
Internationally wanted suspect among those arrested
The suspects arrested at the scene were identified as F. Sh. (A.), 52; N. D. (Q.), 50; M. B., 35; and A. D., also known as A. Th. and I. D., 51.
Police said A. D. was wanted internationally by Italian authorities. The Court of Appeal in Lecce, Italy, sentenced him in 2024 to six years and eight months in prison for drug trafficking and participation in a criminal organization involved in narcotics trafficking.
Suspected shooter also captured
During the same operation, officers also detained T. A., 55, and D. Ç., 48, who had been wanted nationally.
Investigators believe T. A. was responsible for a shooting that took place in Vlorë on June 7, 2026. The two men are suspected of several offenses, including intentional serious injury, illegal possession and production of weapons and ammunition, assisting offenders, and drug production and trafficking.
Weapons, cash and vehicles seized
Police seized four pistols including Glock, Sig Sauer and Canik models along with ammunition, seven mobile phones, €1,850 in cash, and three vehicles. Two of the vehicles had foreign license plates, and one was armored.
Investigators said one of the seized vehicles, a BMW X5, was allegedly used by T. A. to flee the scene after the shooting of 26-year-old F. L. on June 7 in Vlora (Vlorë).
Operation “Group”
The operation, codenamed “Group”, was carried out by the Vlora (Vlorë) Police Directorate’s Serious Crimes and Crimes Against Persons units, in cooperation with the National Security Force’s Fier unit and under the direction of the local prosecutor’s office.
Authorities said the arrests were made at a restaurant in the village of Vranisht, where members of the group had gathered at the same table.
The investigation is continuing as prosecutors work to fully document the group’s criminal activities.
