Kosovo authorities have arrested five people and seized more than 37 kilograms of suspected heroin in an anti-drug operation targeting an alleged international trafficking network operating in the country.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, November 3, in the regions of Ferizaj and Prishtina, resulted in the seizure of 37 kilograms and 332 grams of suspected heroin, divided into 62 packages. The street value of the drugs is estimated at approximately €550,000, according to Sinjali.
The news outlet, citing its sources, identified the five arrested individuals as Iskender Sale, 43; Faton Sopa, 67; Ali Cesuruglou, 50; Veton Sopa, 36; and Agron Elezi, 55.
The operation was carried out by the Central Investigation Sector of the Directorate for the Investigation of Drug Trafficking, following an investigation conducted in cooperation with the Special Prosecution Office and the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA).
Authorities searched five locations across the Ferizaj and Prishtina regions.
Heroin suspected to have originated in Asia
According to information obtained by Sinjali, investigators suspect that the seized drugs had been transported from Asian countries to Kosovo.
The five suspects are citizens of three countries: two are Turkish nationals, one is from North Macedonia, and two are Kosovo citizens.
In addition to the suspected heroin, investigators seized €5,300 and $100 in cash, one vehicle, 10 mobile phones, a DVR surveillance-recording device, 15 rounds of 9×19 mm ammunition and a cutting tool.
All the items were taken as material evidence as part of the criminal investigation.
Suspects investigated for drug trafficking and organized crime
The five individuals are suspected of involvement in the unauthorized purchase, possession, distribution and sale of narcotics, psychotropic substances and analogous substances, as well as participation in or organization of an organized criminal group.
Following their arrest, the State Prosecutor’s Office ordered that they be detained.
Investigators are continuing their work to establish the origin of the shipment, how it was transported into Kosovo and its intended destination, while also examining the suspected roles of each individual and possible international connections.
All five suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a final court judgment.
