Tirana  Prosecutor's Office, in cooperation with Kosovo Special Prosecutor's Office and with the support of EUROPOL, successfully dismantled a criminal network involved in weapons trafficking, operating across both Albania and Kosovo, after an investigation spanning over nine months.
The investigation dates back to February of this year and was based on operational intelligence gathered by the Illegal Trafficking Investigation Section of the Tirana Police Directorate. Authorities suspected that the individual V.O., in complicity with other Albanian and Kosovar nationals, was engaged in the illegal trafficking of firearms from Kosovo to Albania, as well as the smuggling of narcotics—primarily cocaine—from Albania to Kosovo. As a result, criminal case no. 1167 was initiated for the offenses of 'Trafficking of weapon and ammunition' in complicity, and “Illegal manufacture and possession of firearms, explosives, and ammunition”, as defined under Articles 278 and 278/a/2 of Criminal Code.

The investigations conducted so far revealed that the suspects were responsible for the supply, transportation, and sale of firearms and explosives, creating a sophisticated network for the import and export of these materials.
Given that this group consisted of nationals from both Kosovo and Albania, the institutions of the two countries signed the 'Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint Investigation Team' in June of this year. This initiative was supported by EUROPOL and the EUROJUST Project for the Western Balkans, as well as between the region and the EU, in the fight against organized crime and terrorism. Through this team, the Albanian and Kosovar authorities were able to cooperate promptly and effectively, exchanging information in real time.

Subsequently, on December 10, 2024, at approximately 21:00, the Kosovo Police,  under a joint operation, conducted a series of police searches discovering and seizing: 29 pistols, 3 long firearms of various models, 2,635 bullets/ammunition of different calibers, 2 vehicles, and other ICT equipment. During these operations, 8 individuals were arrested, specifically nationals V.O., K.K., S.H., Sh.J., A.H., Z.A., A.D., and B.A.
On December 11, 2024, at approximately 03:00 hours, Tirana Prosecutor's Office, in coordination with the Kosovo Police conducted the operation to execute arrest warrants for six individuals and to search seven locations. During this operation, six individuals were arrested on charges of 'Trafficking of weapons and ammunition' committed in complicity, and “Illegal manufacture and possession of firearms, explosives, and ammunition” as stipulated in Articles 278/5 and 278/a/2 of the Criminal Code:

E.M., 20 years old
E.P., 34 years old
A.M., 28 years old
G.Ll., 22 years old
K.M., 26 years old
T.Sh., 53 years old

The operation resulted in the seizure of 22 'Zoraki' pistols, one AK-47 rifle, one offensive hand grenade, and 470 bullets of various types. Three vehicles, a large sum of money, and 10 mobile phones were confiscated, as well.