
A report titled " Drugs, Dollars, Diplomacy: Albania's Dance with the EU " has been published by the Franco-German network, " Arte ".
Among other things, the report states that a large portion of drugs are imported into the port of Durrës , the largest port in Albania, generating large amounts of dirty money.
International media adds that the drug trade is booming and that it is assumed that people close to the current government are in Colombia, but also in Mexico, to direct the international drug trafficking trade.
"Arte" says that drug cartels are closely linked to politics and that they finance election campaigns, provide public funds and support politicians.
The report mentions that two former interior ministers of Prime Minister Edi Rama were linked to drug trafficking and resigned after public pressure.
Among other things, it is said that the Albanian opposition does not see those responsible in the port and that decisions on drug trafficking are made at higher levels. The documentary adds that Rama's younger brother is also involved in drug trafficking, emphasizing that Olsi Rama is accused of bringing large amounts of cocaine to the EU with a gang in 2014.
Some excerpts from the report:
Excerpt from the report: It is not only the conservative opposition politician, Gent Strazimiri, who accuses the government of aiding drug trafficking in large quantities. International experts also estimate that a large part of the hard drugs in the EU pass through Albania on their way to the continent.
Excerpt from the report: The gateway is the largest port in Albania. It is here that a large part of the drugs enter Durrës, generating large amounts of black money... However, the drug trade is flourishing. It is assumed that close people of the current government are in Colombia, but also in Mexico, to direct the international drug trafficking trade.
Berisha: The reality in this country is that Albania is a complete narco-state. Rama has hosted a Mexican Sinaloa boss in his office. This is because now two Albanians are high up in the Sinaloa cartel after the arrest of El Chapo. These two Albanians are very powerful there. One of them was photographed entering Rama's office and received a casino license.
Excerpt from the report : Drug cartels are closely linked to politics. They finance election campaigns, provide public funds and support politicians. Although the fight against the drug mafia is regularly shown on television, high-level gangsters also influence the selection of ministers. Two former interior ministers of Edi Rama have been linked to drug trafficking and have resigned after public pressure.
Excerpt from the report: The Albanian opposition does not see those responsible in the port. Decisions on drug trafficking are made at higher levels. Even Edi Rama's younger brother is involved in drug trafficking. Olsi Rama is accused of bringing large amounts of cocaine to the EU with a gang in 2014.