Albanian police have arrested five people, including two Italian nationals, following an anti-drug operation in the coastal city of Vlora, authorities said.

The operation, codenamed "WEST," targeted the distribution of illegal narcotics intended for sale during the summer season. According to police, officers seized approximately 700 ready-to-sell doses of suspected drugs, including Tusi, ketamine, MDMA, cocaine, ecstasy, and cannabis.

Those arrested were identified by police as three Albanian citizens from the northern city of Lezhë and two Italian citizens residing in Rome and Palermo.

Police said the suspects were stopped in the Zvërnec area. Searches of the individuals, their vehicle, and the apartment where they were staying in Vlora's "Uji i Ftohtë" neighborhood led to the seizure of the drugs, an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activity, and eight mobile phones.

Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects were selling narcotics at beaches and entertainment venues in and around Vlora.

The case has been referred to the prosecution office, where the suspects are under investigation on charges of producing and trafficking narcotics in cooperation with one another.