An international operation led by Eurojust and Europol has struck a major blow to cocaine trafficking networks moving drugs from South America to Italian ports. As a result, 29 people tied to an Albanian-led crime network were arrested in Italy and Albania. At the same time, coordinated searches took place across France, Romania, and Spain to gather evidence and more information. This successful operation was the culmination of years of collaboration through joint investigation teams (JITs) supported and funded by Eurojust.
This organized crime group (OCG) was highly active in distributing large quantities of drugs within Italy. Smugglers hid the drugs in containers carrying exotic fruits shipped from South America to various European ports. Once the shipments arrived, specialized teams would extract the hidden drugs from the containers, making them available for further distribution to other criminal groups. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at €70 million.
The investigation into this Albanian criminal network began in 2021, launched by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Florence in Italy. Soon after, a JIT was formed between Italian and Albanian authorities to intensify efforts against the network. Investigators received crucial assistance by intercepting communications between the crime groups, who used encrypted devices like SkyECC for coordination.
At the request of Italian authorities, Eurojust organized several coordination meetings with law enforcement agencies from all involved countries to prepare for the large-scale crackdown. A coordination center was established at Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague, ensuring smooth support for searches and arrests across five countries. Eurojust also played a role in facilitating European Investigation Orders in France, Romania, and Spain, and Mutual Legal Assistance requests to Albania. Arrest warrants were circulated globally through INTERPOL, thanks to the Italian Central Service for International Police Cooperation.
The coordinated efforts by Eurojust and Europol led to the seizure of over two tons of cocaine, 45 kg of hashish, 20 kg of marijuana, and the arrest of 29 individuals—27 in Italy and 2 in Albania.
The operation was supported by the following authorities on the ground:
Romania: Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism – Covasna Local Bureau, Covasna Organized Crime Fighting Police Service.
Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Florence, Guardia di Finanza (various units), Italian Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services, Office of Security Experts at the Italian Embassy in Tirana, and International Police Cooperation.
Albania: Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), Albanian State Police.
France: Judicial Court of Lyon (Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction – Organized Crime section), OFAST (National Office against Drug Trafficking), National Police.
Spain: Public Prosecutor’s Special Unit for International Cooperation in Tarragona, Investigative Court No. 6 of Tarragona, Group 11 of UDYCO (Policia Nacional).
