A recent joint operation between Italian and Albanian authorities led to the arrest of 37 individuals and the seizure of approximately four million euros, highlighting the growing issue of marijuana production in Albania. Despite Prime Minister Edi Rama’s denial of increased cultivation, collected data suggests otherwise. The surge in cannabis production is strengthening criminal groups, fueled by widespread corruption and political protections.
Current Situation: A Worrying Increase
According to a confidential report by Albanian police, over 90,000 cannabis plants were destroyed from January to October 2019. This figure not only indicates an increase in cultivation but also exposes the inadequacy of government actions to tackle the root of the problem, both literally and figuratively. The use of ineffective methods to destroy the plants — such as simply cutting them with machetes without removing the roots — raises questions about the true effectiveness of the anti-drug efforts.
Corruption and Political Protections
The rise of Albanian mafia is facilitated by a corrupt system and a lack of effective response from authorities. According to Nicola Gratteri, the Chief Prosecutor of Catanzaro, without fighting both the mafia and corruption, Albanian criminals will continue to gain ground, infiltrating Europe through routes like Italy and the Netherlands. The overlap between organized crime and political power further complicates the situation, making it challenging to distinguish between crime and politics.
The Fight Against Corruption: An Incomplete Process
Despite the establishment of a special court dedicated to corruption and organized crime, Albania struggles to make significant progress. The vetting process, designed to verify the credentials of judges, prosecutors, and police officers, has so far excluded a substantial number of magistrates for inadequacy. However, there are concerns that the process might be politically manipulated to remove inconvenient magistrates.
Legal Implications for the European Union
Albania’s accession to the European Union is contingent upon significant progress in fighting corruption and organized crime. However, current political dynamics and a lack of genuine will to address these issues could jeopardize the accession process. International bodies, including European ones, continue to monitor the situation as pressures mount on Tirana to intensify its efforts against crime.
Conclusions: An Uncertain Future
The situation in Albania serves as a wake-up call for the entire Balkan region and Europe. While Albanian authorities are engaged in a race against time to curb marijuana production and combat corruption, the legal and political implications remain significant. Albania’s future in the European Union will largely depend on its ability to tackle these challenges in a transparent and effective manner.