Two Brazilian nationals have been arrested in the coastal city of Durrës, Albania, Sunday, after authorities said they had rented and adapted two apartments for the purpose of prostitution, according to local police.

The suspects, identified by police as N.P., 26, and M.B., 39, both born and residing in Brazil, were arrested in flagrante during a police operation. Investigators say the women are suspected of the criminal offenses of prostitution, adapting premises for prostitution, and the production and sale of narcotic substances.

Authorities also launched criminal proceedings against a 22-year-old man from Durrës for alleged involvement in prostitution. In addition, the owner of the rented premises, identified as F.T., 30, a resident of Fushë?Krujë, is being investigated while remaining free for allegedly adapting property for prostitution.

According to investigators, the two foreign nationals had rented two properties on Dalip Peza Street, in neighborhood No. 17 of Durrës, which they allegedly modified to facilitate prostitution activities.

During the police intervention, one of the suspects reportedly refused to open the door of the apartment where she was located. Firefighters were later called to assist in opening the door.

Police said several items were seized as evidence, including two passports belonging to the foreign nationals, an undisclosed amount of cash, eight mobile phones, a DVR device, SIM cards, two notebooks containing written records, and two small quantities of suspected cannabis.

The case has been referred to the Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction in Durrës for further legal proceedings.