The Albanian Police Oversight Authority (AMP) has arrested three police officers and one customs officer stationed at the Hani i Hotit border crossing, accusing them of abuse of office after they allegedly allowed a truck carrying 442 kg of cannabis sativa to cross into Montenegro undetected.
According to the AMP, the arrests are the result of months-long investigations into a case dating back to September 17, 2023, when a truck with Albanian license plates cleared customs at Hani i Hotit. Upon further inspection at the Bozaj checkpoint in Montenegro, authorities discovered a total of 442.084 kg of suspected cannabis sativa hidden in the vehicle.
Arrested Officials:
- Lekë Çekrezi – Police Officer, Hani i Hotit
- Fatjon Hamzi – Police Officer, Hani i Hotit
- Tonin Melaj – Police Officer, Hani i Hotit
- Selami Ethemi – Customs Officer, Hani i Hotit
The arrests were conducted in collaboration with the Prosecution Office of the First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction in Shkodër and the Directorate of Customs Investigation. Investigators applied special investigative methods to gather evidence, which led to the detainment orders executed today.
Official Statement from AMP:
“These arrests are part of an ongoing effort to combat corruption, ensure institutional integrity, and uphold the law at our national borders. No tolerance will be shown to those who betray public trust.”
This high-profile case underscores growing concerns about border security breaches and internal collusion in drug trafficking networks across Albania’s northern borders.
