After two days, the RENEA and Special Intervention Police forces have
taken under control the “Mahmutaj” neighborhood in the southern area of
Lazarat. A considerable amount of cannabis was seized and then burned by
the police.
A group of people shot against the police from a nearby hill, wounding a 32-year-old officer of the Shkoder Special Forces, outside of life threatening danger.
The Lazarat residents kept burning their own cannabis and eradicated their existing plants. Police took under control the area cultivated close to the storehouse of Gate Mahmutaj, who tried to justify himself in the last interview, but police found at his property bullet shells, a mortar missile, cannabis that was being burned in barrels and young trees ready to be planted.
Police say they arrested six people for the attack against the A1 Report journalists, whose declarations had discrepancies and police arrested them in the act. In cooperation with other people, these men have attacked the police forces that were conducting the operation.
Two people were wounded yesterday, one local shepherd and a 33-year-old from Pogradec, both outside of life threatening danger.
During the operation, police discovered two labs for processing the drug and seized several quantities of cannabis in dozens of houses.
The Interior Minister visited Gjirokaster yesterday, saying that the ties of the crime world with the Parliament and politics are now over, and what is happening today is the best evidence of the new government’s determination to impose the rule of law in every corner of Albania.
800 police troops from several law enforcing agencies of different cities were part of the operation, supported by armored vehicles.
The Prosecution of Special Crimes established special groups for processing the evidence and building up the cases, in cooperation with the police structures.
Top Channel’s journalist, Anila Hoxha, entered the Lazarat neighborhood where huge quantities of cannabis are being burned.
Gate Mahmutaj turned himself in by midnight, and the Minister of Interior declared on Facebook that he is the seventh being arrested so far, and that he is proud for the police.
His ministry issued an appeal to all citizens to avoid the village, while those inside Lazarat are advised to stay home for their safety.
The Police made a public appeal to Lazarat citizens to hand over their weapons and turn themselves in, and promised that the authorities are determined to eliminate the areas thjat cultivate drug, and to establish law and order in the village.
Top Channel