Three charged in major international drug trafficking ring with French authorities

Tirana, December 30, 2024 – Albanian prosecutors have sent three individuals to trial in connection with a significant international drug trafficking ring, following a joint investigation with French authorities.

The three defendants—Redian (alias Refik) Doda, Zabit (alias Artur) Fisniku, and Fabi Isaku—are accused of trafficking narcotics, money laundering, and involvement in a structured criminal group operating across multiple European regions.

The investigation, launched by French authorities in 2022, focused on a criminal group trafficking drugs from Albania to France. The group, based in the Lyon region, allegedly supplied narcotics to sales networks in the Rhône, Ain, Savoie, and Upper Savoie areas.

Authorities uncovered nearly daily shipments of drugs to these regions. An Albanian national, residing on the outskirts of Lyon, is said to have led the operation. In total, 19 individuals, including both Albanian and foreign nationals, have been implicated in the criminal activities.

The case will now proceed to Albania’s Special Court of First Instance, with the accused facing charges in both Albania and France. The operation marks a significant step in international efforts to tackle organized crime and drug trafficking.