Drug trafficking gangs in Italy and Albania have been closed down after raids by law enforcement agencies.
More than 350 officers were involved in the raids on 31 homes and businesses in both countries.
Thirty suspects were arrested.
Guns and rifles were found alongside cash and “huge quantities” of drugs.
Europol and Eurojust co-ordinated the raids and supplied specialist officers for the operation.
The criminals are suspected of large-scale trafficking of cocaine, cannabis and heroin – mainly from Albania to Italy.
Today’s operation was part of a long-term investigation which started 2019.
During that time 62 people have been previously arrested and assets seized.
A Europol spokesperson said:
“Eurojust organised two co-ordination meetings in which representatives of the involved authorities discussed the case, exchanged information and agreed on further steps.
“The Agency also supported the authorities by setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT).
“Over the course of the investigation, Europol provided in-depth analytical support and expertise, mapping out the different high-profile targets and their criminal activities.
“The investigation was supported by the European Commission’s project IPA (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance), which – for the first time – was able to financially support operational activities.”
