Albania’s Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO) has handed down verdicts against four defendants linked to a structured criminal group involved in narcotics trafficking. The ruling, issued on Friday, concerns Florian Habilaj, Armando Sulaj, Sabaudin Çelaj and Tigrens Mëzuraj, all of whom were found guilty of drug trafficking and participation in an organised criminal group.

The proceedings were conducted under the rules of a shortened trial, allowing each defendant to benefit from a one-third reduction of the prison sentences imposed.

Court Decision

According to decision No. 79, dated 5 December 2025, delivered by a judicial panel composed of Judges Esmeralda Xhili, Arbana Selmanaj and Migena Laska, the court ruled as follows:

Florian Habilaj was convicted on multiple counts of attempted narcotics trafficking, narcotics trafficking in collaboration within a structured criminal group, and participation in a criminal organisation.
His sentences were unified at 15 years, which, after the one-third reduction under the shortened-trial provisions, result in a final sentence of 10 years to be served in a high-security prison.

Armando Sulaj was found guilty of drug trafficking in collaboration within a structured criminal group and participation in an organised criminal group.
His consolidated sentence of 9 years was reduced to 6 years, also to be served in a high-security facility.

Sabaudin Çelaj received a combined sentence of 15 years for drug trafficking and participation in a structured criminal group.
Following the mandatory reduction, his final sentence is 10 years in a high-security prison.

Tigrens Mëzuraj was sentenced to a total of 9 years for drug trafficking and involvement in a structured criminal group.
After the one-third reduction, he will serve 6 years in a high-security institution.

The court ordered that all defendants jointly cover procedural and judicial costs. The ruling may be appealed to the Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organised Crime within 15 days from the date of notification.