Mega operation, Balla: The beginning of the engagement against the production, trafficking and distribution of drugs
The Minister of the Interior, Taulant Balla, spoke about the anti-drug mega-operation coded “Tempulli”, spread throughout the country, with over 200 arrested. In a joint press conference with the Director General of the State Police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, Balla said that this operation marks only the beginning of a new journey …
An apartment in Tirana engulfed in flames
An apartment on the 9th floor of a building was engulfed in flames. The incident took place on “Sali Butka” street in the capital, around 2:20 p.m. According to previous information, it is learned that the fire broke out on the balcony of the apartment, on the top floor of …
Over 110 arrest warrants issued in huge Tirana anti-drugs operation
An anti-drug operation is being carried out by the Tirana police, the Anti-Drug sector, under the direction of the capital’s prosecutor’s office, to target drug dealers. According to the local media, so far a total of 112 arrest warrants have been issued, while more than 70 people have been escorted …
Inmate dies due to cardiorespiratory arrest in Tirana’s hospital
A convict died in hospital this Thursday from cardiorespiratory arrest. It is learned that 62-year-old Islam Binjaku, sentenced to 10 years in prison for drugs, was in intensive care since August 31. Forensic experts and the police are following the legal procedures. Forensic experts, as well as SHKBB judicial police …
Mega drugs operation leads to over 200 arrests Albania-wide
A major national anti-drug operation has been carried out by land and air in Tirana and all of Albania this Thursday, leading to over 200 arrests. Local media reported that the helicopters also flew over the terraces of the buildings in Tirana, while dozens of “strong” houses in the neighborhoods …
DNA reference laboratory inaugurated for fight on crime
Interior Minister, Taulant Balla and the Minister of Immigration in the United Kingdom, Robert Jenrick participated in the opening ceremony of the DNA Reference Laboratory at the Scientific Police Institute, which will help in the fight against organized crime in Albania, but also in the United Kingdom. Genetic profiles of …
Elbasan incinerator session postponed due to defendants’ absence
Postponement of the court session for the Elbasan incinerator has been decided again this Thursday. Based on the information at hand, the court has decided that the hearing will take place on September 21 at 09:30. According to the information, the reason for the postponement of the session was the …
Government reshuffles voted in parliament
The Assembly of Albania voted today in the plenary session for the appointment of two new ministers, Ervin Mete and Delina Ibrahimaj. Ervin Mete was appointed head of Finance and Economy with 74 votes in favor and 30 against. Meanwhile, Delina Ibrahimaj was dismissed with 105 votes in favor from …
Elbasan policeman among arrested in huge drugs operation
An anti-drug operation, for which the investigation started months ago, has been extended to several cities in the country, this Thursday including Elbasan. According to the Elbasan Police, among those arrested in Elbasan is also a police officer, Saimir Hysa. He was aware of the criminal activity and is charged …
Census of Population and Housing/ Rama: An important process, it will be done according to European standards
The Population and Housing Census is expected to start on September 18. Prime Minister Edi Rama, present at the opening conference, emphasized that this is an important initiative. While describing it as an ‘exercise’ difficult to carry out, the head of the government said that it will be done according …
During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here
Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here
Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here
Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …