An Albanian man wanted internationally for murder has been arrested in the United Kingdom as part of a joint operation between Albanian and British law enforcement authorities, officials said.

The Albanian State Police identified the suspect as Sabri Sopoti, 60, who had been sentenced by the District Court of Dibër to 24 years in prison for premeditated murder and illegal possession and manufacturing of firearms, explosives, and ammunition.

According to police, the arrest was carried out under the international operation codenamed "The Wanted", following close intelligence and operational cooperation between Interpol Tirana and Interpol Manchester.

Authorities said Sopoti had been on the international wanted list in connection with the fatal shooting of a man identified by the initials B.K. on December 24, 1999. Investigators allege that the victim was killed with an automatic firearm.

Interpol Tirana is continuing to work with Interpol Manchester to complete the extradition procedures that will return Sopoti to Albania, where he is expected to serve the 24-year prison sentence imposed by the Albanian courts.