An operation by Vlorë Police has led to the arrest of five people who, according to the official version, are suspected of distributing narcotic substances on the city’s beaches and in bars during the tourist season. Authorities say around 700 doses of various types were seized, while the case has been referred to the Prosecutor’s Office for further action.
Operation “WEST” and the arrests
According to the police statement, the operation was carried out by the Narcotics Investigation Section at the Vlorë Local Police Directorate, under the direction of the Prosecutor’s Office and with the support of local operational structures.
Arrested in flagrante were N. K., 20, R. H., 20, and M. M., 23, all residents of Lezhë, as well as C. L., 42, a resident of Rome, and C. S., 37, a resident of Palermo. Two of those arrested are Italian citizens.
Where they were caught and what was seized
Police say the suspects were identified in the Zvërnec area. During a personal search, a search of the vehicle they were using, and the apartment where they were staying in the “Uji i Ftohtë” neighborhood of Vlorë, material evidence was found and seized.
According to the authorities, 700 doses of narcotic substances of the types “Tusi,” “Ketamine,” “MDMA,” “Cocaine,” “Ecstasy,” and “Cannabis” were seized, along with an amount of money suspected to derive from criminal activity, as well as 8 mobile phones.
Suspicions of sales in tourist areas
From the preliminary investigation, according to police, these individuals are suspected of selling the narcotic substances on beaches and in bars, a market directly linked to the summer tourist influx in Vlorë.
At this stage, claims about the method of distribution and the intended destination of the doses remain at the level of investigative suspicion and are not accompanied by further public details from law enforcement bodies.
The case at the Prosecutor’s Office
The procedural materials were referred to the Prosecutor’s Office for further action regarding the criminal offense of “Production and sale of narcotics,” committed in cooperation.
It remains to be seen what further investigative checks will produce and whether the version presented by police will be fully supported by evidence as the criminal proceedings continue.
The case comes at the height of the tourist season, when Vlorë is under increased pressure over public safety and the control of criminal activity in coastal areas.
Beyond the official statement, attention now shifts to the investigation and to the transparency of institutions regarding the suspected network, its scope, and the specific responsibilities of each of those detained.