Following a months-long investigation, Kosovo’s Basic Prosecution Office in Prizren, in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Investigation Unit in Gjakova, carried out an operation on Tuesday that led to the discovery of a fully equipped indoor drug laboratory and the arrest of three suspects.
According to authorities, the suspects had, from an unknown date until April 23, 2025, illegally and jointly cultivated cannabis sativa (marijuana) with the intent of producing narcotic or psychotropic substances.
The group had converted a closed facility into a sophisticated grow house, where they cultivated approximately 200 cannabis plants, dried them, and prepared them for distribution.
Their actions fulfill the legal criteria for the criminal offense of “Cultivation of the cannabis plant, hashish shrub, or cocaine bush,” as outlined in Kosovo’s Criminal Code.
Additionally, the suspects are being investigated for the unauthorized purchase, possession, distribution, and sale of narcotics and psychotropic substances.
During the operation, state prosecutors also seized the residential property used for cultivation, along with other equipment and materials associated with the drug production process.
The three detainees are currently being held under a 48-hour detention order, while the Department for Serious Crimes is expected to submit a request for pre-trial detention within the legal timeframe.
This raid marks one of the largest cannabis cultivation busts in the region this year and is part of broader efforts by Kosovo law enforcement to crack down on drug trafficking networks operating domestically.
