Notorious leader of the criminal group in Lazarat, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for narcotics cultivation, Gate Mahmutaj has passed away this Wednesday.

The now-deceased arrested 7 years ago as the leader of Lazarari group, during the operation that the state police undertook in 2014 to eliminate hashish in this area of Gjirokastra County, southern Albania, which was known for the production of drugs.

As reported, Mahmutaj e had been in prison for several years after being sentenced to 12 years in prison after being arrested during an operation against cannabis cultivation in Lazarat.

Gate Mahmutaj was suffering from a serious illness and only a week ago he was released from the cell being sent to his family to spend the last days.

He was initially transported to the prison hospital, but then doctors ordered his discharge from this hospital, as there was no longer any hope for him to live.