Albanian athorities have launched a major investigation inside the Fier Penitentiary Institution (IEVP) following a joint operation targeting illegal activity within the country’s prison system.

The operation, carried out on May 23, 2026, was conducted through coordinated inspections between the Agency for Oversight of the Execution of Penal Decisions System (AMSEVP) and the General Directorate of Prisons (DPB).

According to officials, authorities discovered a significant quantity of alcoholic beverages inside one of the prison rooms, as well as several mobile phones hidden in various shared areas of the facility.

During a personal search of a pre-trial detainee, officers also found a quantity of suspected narcotics concealed within the inmate’s clothing.

Following procedural actions led by the Prosecutor’s Office at the Fier First Instance Court, AMSEVP judicial police officers carried out two arrests in flagrante delicto.

The first detainee, identified by the initials I.B., was arrested on suspicion of introducing and possessing prohibited items inside a penitentiary institution, an offense under Article 324/a of Albania’s Criminal Code. Authorities said the individual is currently being held in pre-trial detention for charges related to the illegal possession and production of military weapons.

A second inmate, identified as A.M., was also arrested on charges of drug production and distribution, as well as introducing prohibited items into prison facilities. Officials stated that A.M. is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for intentional homicide.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have also initiated criminal proceedings against six employees of the Fier prison on charges of “abuse of office.”

Those under investigation include:

• Ardian Hysi, head of prison police at IEVP Fier;
• Ndriçim Hasa, head of the internal regime sector;
• Ajet Meçe, police specialist;
• Arif Meli, controller;
• Orgest Kaja, controller;
• Romir Zaimi, controller.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to crack down on illegal activities within Albania’s penitentiary system.