Albanian authorities have ordered the arrest of 10 suspected members of what prosecutors describe as one of the largest international cocaine trafficking networks ever investigated in the region, following a sweeping operation led by the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK).

According to investigators, the criminal organization, allegedly led by Shpëtim (Salvador) Aliu, operated across Latin America and Europe between 2019 and 2021, coordinating large-scale cocaine shipments and laundering millions of euros through businesses and real estate investments in Albania.

The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime approved pre-trial detention orders for 10 Albanian nationals, including alleged kingpin Shpëtim Aliu, businessman Dritan Gjika, Isa Aliu, Nikoll Bibaj, Sokol Bibaj, Florjan Musaj, Armando Pacani, Denis Matoshi (also known as Eldi Dizdari), Naldi Yzeiraj and Oklid Aliu.

Prosecutors say the investigation uncovered five major cocaine trafficking episodes linked to the group. Authorities seized approximately 700 kilograms of cocaine in Antwerp, Belgium, hidden inside a container carrying vehicles and spare parts. Another shipment of 2,010 kilograms was intercepted in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in June 2020 while en route to the Netherlands.

Investigators also linked the organization to a 1.1-ton cocaine seizure in Rotterdam and a separate 4.1-ton shipment intercepted in the Netherlands in December 2020. In 2021, authorities allegedly disrupted an attempt to transport more than one ton of cocaine from Colombia to France.

SPAK estimates that the organization trafficked at least 50 tons of cocaine during its years of operation, making it one of the most significant drug trafficking investigations ever conducted in Albania and the wider Balkan region.

Authorities allege that proceeds from the narcotics trade were transported in cash to Albania and invested in construction projects, luxury villas, hotels, coastal land, commercial companies and other real estate assets. Prosecutors claim the network employed sophisticated money-laundering schemes, including the use of subcontracting companies and fictitious capital share purchases to conceal the illicit origin of funds.

As part of the operation, authorities have seized 491 assets with an estimated value of €150 million. The confiscated assets include 121 properties, among them luxury villas, hotels and coastal land parcels, as well as 209 bank accounts.

On June 16, 2026, Albanian State Police carried out 23 searches at residences, business premises and company offices in an effort to execute the court orders. One suspect was taken into custody during the operation, while authorities continue searching for two additional suspects believed to be in Albania. Seven others are believed to be abroad.

The investigation was conducted with support from law enforcement and judicial authorities in Colombia and Ecuador, as well as Eurojust, Europol and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

SPAK described the case as one of the largest organized crime and narcotics trafficking investigations ever undertaken in the region.