Greek authorities, in a joint police operation and with the participation of special structures (the Greek “FBI” is also mentioned by the media), have dismantled an Albanian drug trafficking organization and arrested six people. According to reports in neighboring media, the estimated profit from the group’s activities amounted to over 8 million euros.
Police announced that the group consisted of: Fatjon Prendi (39) — group leader, Elson Ndreca (36) — deputy leader, Brisejda Cami (35), Pashke Gega (73), Zoje Ndoj (35) and Arben Mashi (50). According to the media, Prendi was known to local authorities after being involved in a violent incident in 2012, where there was an exchange of fire with the police and he is also attributed to the robbery of a vehicle at gunpoint.
Investigations uncovered a large cannabis plantation in a forest area near the village of Peleta, in Arkadi, where 1,640 cannabis plants measuring 150–280 cm in height were seized and uprooted. Inside the plantation, police also found 107 non-uniform plastic bags containing raw cannabis, weighing a total of about 1 ton and 161 kilograms.
During the searches in the apartments and premises used by the group, the following were also seized: electronic scales, 17 mobile phones, 3 private vehicles, cultivation equipment (cutting machines, tools, irrigation materials), as well as other narcotic substances in small quantities: cocaine 4.3 g, ketamine 3.5 g, methamphetamine/MDMA 10 g and “ecstasy” tablets. In some of the apartments, a gun and ammunition were also found, as well as an electric shock device (stun gun).
According to the investigation report, the following were also seized during the search:
A Kalashnikov assault rifle with two magazines and several other weapons and magazines;
One F1 defensive-type hand grenade (with explosive ejection mechanism);
134 cartridges of various calibers;
Amounts of money in various currencies, including 12,250 euros in 50 € banknotes suspected to be counterfeit; the total mentioned in the report is around 16,120 euros together with other currencies;
4 electronic scales, 3 vehicles, 17 mobile phones and various packaging and storage equipment.
Authorities say that roles within the organization were clearly divided: Prendi as the general coordinator (he managed the plantations, transport, securing clientele and receiving profits), Ndreca as the plantation and logistics supervisor, Brisejda Cami responsible for the storage and security of drugs and safe movements in the Attica area, Zoje Ndoj kept part of the money and communication equipment, while Pashke Gega provided storage space.
The checks also revealed that Arben Mashi had a criminal record for drug and weapons trafficking, and at the time of his arrest, it turned out that he was staying in Greece without legal documentation.
The prosecution and police forces continue their investigations and the perpetrators will face various charges, including drug trafficking, participation in a criminal organization and possession of weapons. The case is being processed by the competent Greek authorities and investigations into any further implications are ongoing.
