Four Suitcases Containing Narcotics Discovered and Seized at Rinas Airport (Published on 21/10/2025)

The intelligence structures of the General Directorate of Customs, in cooperation with the Rinas Customs Branch and partner agencies of Albanian Customs, following a professional risk analysis, selected two Chinese nationals and their luggage for physical inspection. The individuals were traveling on the itinerary Bangkok–United Arab Emirates (transit)–Rinas Airport (final destination).

The four suitcases were subjected to X-ray scanning by the Rinas Customs Branch. The scan images revealed suspicious substances. During the physical inspection, 61 kilograms of the narcotic substance Cannabis Sativa were discovered, hidden inside bags of exotic fruit “Durian,” and divided into 120 smaller packages. If placed on the market, this quantity of cannabis would have an estimated value of around 500,000 euros.

The Judicial Police Officers of the General Directorate of Customs, in cooperation with the State Police, carried out the procedural actions. The narcotic substance was seized, and the foreign nationals were arrested in flagrante delicto. The case was referred to the competent authorities for further investigation and identification of possible collaborators.