October 9, 2024 – The Italian Anti-Drug Directorate released its annual anti-drug report on Tuesday, highlighting the growing influence of Albanian criminal organizations within the country’s drug trafficking landscape. The report, which analyzes data from 2023, reveals that Albanian traffickers are rapidly ascending the ranks of the most formidable drug trafficking entities operating in Italy.
As the report highlights, a staggering 171 Albanian organizations were identified in connection with drug trafficking last year, involving 1,432 individuals charged with drug distribution. This figure accounts for a significant 16.44% of all foreigners reported for drug-related offenses in Italy. Notably, Albanian nationals now rank second only to Moroccans in the number of police reports filed for drug offenses, with 1,604 cases reported in 2023, an increase from 1,574 in the previous year.
A particularly concerning trend emerges in the domain of cocaine trafficking. The data reveals that Albanian involvement in cocaine-related crimes has surged, with 1,263 individuals reported in 2023 compared to 1,211 in 2022. This uptick reflects the operational efficiency of Albanian rings, which have demonstrated a capacity to manage extensive drug supply chains. The report outlines their role in every phase of the cocaine distribution process—from procurement in production regions to transportation through strategically modified vehicles to distribution points within Italy.
The report also highlights the strategic alliances forming among global criminal organizations, particularly with Colombian drug networks. While the Italian ‘Ndrangheta has historically been linked to Colombian drug routes, the emergence of Mexican and Brazilian cartels, alongside Albanian mafia groups, illustrates the evolving dynamics of international drug trafficking. These alliances not only enhance the operational capabilities of Albanian organizations but also complicate the landscape of organized crime in Italy.
The geographical proximity of Albania to Italy has been pivotal in facilitating direct connections between criminal factions. In particular, Apulian and Albanian criminal groups have forged strong ties, primarily in the supply and distribution of marijuana. The report suggests that Albanian organizations often operate in small, sometimes multi-ethnic groups, employing intimidation tactics reminiscent of traditional mafia structures to assert their control over drug markets.
Moreover, the increasing collaboration between Albanian traffickers and established mafia groups in Calabria, Campania, and Sicily points to a significant shift in the Italian drug landscape. By forging direct supply links with producers in regions such as Afghanistan, Albanian groups have tapped into the lucrative “Balkan Route,” which serves as a critical conduit for heroin smuggled from Turkey into Italy and other European markets.
The findings of the Italian Anti-Drug Directorate reflect a pressing need for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of drug trafficking while also enhancing cooperation between nations to combat this ever-evolving threat.
