TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/ State Police Director General Skënder Hita on Tuesday presented the results of the State Police’s efforts to combat the cultivation, production and distribution of narcotics throughout 2026, at a joint press conference with representatives of Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (GdF).
In his remarks, Hita praised cooperation with Italian partners, noting that efforts had intensified this year to prevent cannabis cultivation, strengthen territorial surveillance and crack down on criminal groups.
“Throughout this year, 132,000 cannabis seedlings were detected and seized before they could be planted, compared with 17,447 seedlings during the previous year. This figure alone clearly demonstrates the firm focus of our law enforcement structures on preventing this criminal activity,” Hita said.
According to him, 165 individuals have been arrested, detained or prosecuted as part of operations targeting the cultivation of narcotic plants.
“Additionally, 89 village heads, employees of the Electricity Distribution Operator (OSHEE), and staff responsible for forestry and environmental services have been prosecuted for offences related to abuse of office and failure to report a crime. At the same time, State Police units stepped up inspections to detect and crack down on the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants indoors using artificial lighting, an activity targeted in 17 cases,” he said.
He also noted that 84 drones had been deployed to monitor the territory, while cooperation with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza had enabled 62 aerial missions to be carried out, 10 more than the previous year.
“The mutual trust built over the years with our colleagues and friends at the GdF, together with their advanced technology, has provided strong support to the State Police in tackling the cultivation of narcotic plants,” the State Police chief said.
Hita also announced that, on seven occasions, helicopter support had been requested from the General Staff of the Armed Forces to monitor remote mountainous areas and hard-to-reach locations.
In his remarks, Hita also addressed efforts to combat the sale and distribution of narcotic substances near educational institutions and in places frequented by young people.
“The fight against cannabis does not end with preventing its cultivation or destroying narcotic plants. It must continue until the entire distribution and sales chain is dismantled, so that narcotic substances do not reach minors, young people and schoolchildren…”
“Specifically, 31 operations were completed during 2026, targeting dozens of cases involving the sale of narcotic substances within the security perimeters of schools. These included operations that had a significant impact across the country’s main regions, based on the quantities of narcotic substances seized and the number of individuals brought to justice for this criminal activity,” he said.
He stressed that protecting young people from drug-related problems requires cooperation between the State Police, the Ministry of Education, school principals, security officers, teaching staff and parents.
Speaking about next year’s priorities, Hita said the State Police would step up inspections and investigative activities to identify networks involved in importing narcotic plant seeds, as well as target the organisers, financiers and beneficiaries of this criminal activity.
“Meanwhile, 2027 will remain a challenge for the State Police in terms of preventing and combating the criminal activity of cultivating narcotic plants, despite the positive results achieved in recent years,” he said.
/m.q/j.p/sm/
