Authorities in Elbasan have carried out a large-scale anti-drug operation targeting a criminal network involved in the trafficking and distribution of narcotics.

According to Albanian State Police, the operation—codenamed “Grupi”—resulted from a months-long investigation led by the Elbasan Prosecutor’s Office. A total of 24 detention orders were issued, of which 16 have been executed so far. Eight arrests were made during today’s ????????, while another eight had been carried out over the course of the year-long investigation.

Police said efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend eight additional suspects who were not found at their homes during the operation.

During the raids, officers arrested eight individuals, detained one person caught in the act, and apprehended another suspect previously wanted by authorities in Durrës on charges related to waste management offenses.

Authorities executed 27 court-approved searches across homes and other premises. As a result, they seized approximately 9 kilograms of suspected cannabis—some already divided into sale-ready doses—around 100 grams of cocaine, also partially packaged for distribution, five electronic scales, seven vehicles, and 17 mobile phones.

The operation focused on criminal activity spanning the cities of Elbasan, Librazhd, and Prrenjas.

Investigators, working under the direction of prosecutors, say efforts are continuing to fully document the criminal activity and bring all those involved to justice.