Citizen Alket Hatija, a well-known person in the field of drug trafficking, was arrested by the Police in Durrës this Wednesday. 

The 50-year-old was arrested with the intention of extradition to Italy, as he was wanted internationally by Interpol Rome, after the Court of Appeal had sentenced him to 20 years in prison. 

Hatija, who is otherwise known as the "Drug Lord", previously served 16 years in prison for drug trafficking, but these years of punishment are not recognized in the Italian state due to the lack of an agreement between the two countries. 

In June 2021, Hatija, in an interview, called the decision of the Italian authorities extreme, after serving 16 years in prison in Albania. 

"At the time I requested extradition, but the Prosecutor's Office said that you will not be extradited, the trial that will be held here also applies to Italy. The trial ended in 2010. I was sentenced for 16 years. I accepted them all, true and untrue because of summary judgment. The final decision was taken in May by the Appeal. I spent a total of 10 years in prison. 

I went down to the beach early, I see two civilian cars. When they got out of the car I said what's up? You will come with us, they told me. I went with them. In the car I told them what I have done in life, I have accepted them and I have been judged. I was told that you were convicted by a court in Italy. I told him that I went to prison, 10 and a half years. 

It was an extreme decision for me. I never expected such a thing. I was sentenced for 16 years. I have served the punishment, I cannot be punished twice for the same matter. 

But justice leaves something to be desired as far as I can see... My family is only in the hands of the great God. This is a shame of Albanian justice", he said.