The anti- mafia prosecutor in Lecce, Italy, Cataldo Motta pointed out that it is the increase of traffic of drugs from Albania towards Italy, which requires more intensive cooperation. 

“The situation is such that more intensive cooperation than in the past is required, because the traffic originating from Albania and other regional countries has increased,” stated Motta.

Motta and the deputy prosecutor, Guglielmo Cataldi paid an official visit to Tirana on Thursday. They were received in a meeting by the Interior Minister, Saimir Tahiri, where they praised the up-to-date cooperation between law enforcement authorities in both countries. Motta and Tahiri underlined the need to expand and intensify this cooperation. The anti- mafia prosecutor estimated the will of the Albanian government to fight criminal phenomena.

Minister Tahiri stated that State Police are ready for any joint initiative for investigations against the traffic of drugs. The interlocutors underlined that the presence of Italian police, through its missions in Albania is strong evidence of cooperation a guarantee for transparency. Parties also underlined that an effective control of borders contributes to prevent illegal activities.

Motta was also received by the General Prosecutor, Adriatik Llalla and a team of prosecutors of the Serious Crimes who are investigating drug traffic files, as well as the fall of the plane in Ishem few months ago.

Moreover, Motta met with the Head of State Police, Haki Cako too. The latter underlined the commitment of police forces to prevent cultivation and traffic of narcotic substances. "Monitoring the country's territory from air by Guardia di Finanza, dozens of anti-traffic operations between Albanian and Italian police, clearly show serious and credible cooperation, achieving very good results in these aspects," Cako pointed out, while Motta added that they came to Albania thanks to the very successful cooperation.