Police add drones to summer beach patrols

Albanian police will use drones, sea patrols and tighter boat checks to monitor beaches during the summer tourist season.

The plan covers beaches, border crossings, tourist areas and busy roads, as Albania expects millions of visitors over the summer.

Police said the maritime unit will be supported from the air for the first time, with drones monitoring the coast.

Police chief Skënder Hita warned that jet skis, speedboats and tourist boats would face strict checks if they put holidaymakers at risk.

Officers will patrol the full Albanian coastline, from the Adriatic in the north to the Ionian coast in the south.

Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said tourism growth had increased the pressure on police to keep visitors safe.