GJKKO Keeps Xhuliano Hoxha in Custody, 31-Year-Old Extradited from Britain over Cannabis Grown in Berat

GJKKO has upheld the security measure imposed in absentia on Xhuliano Hoxha, the 31-year-old recently extradited from Britain. He is accused of being part of the criminal group that cultivated 870 kg of cannabis in Dronovicë, Berat, an operation uncovered in November 2022.

During the hearing before Judge Bib Ndreca and prosecutor Eëida Kaçkini, Hoxha raised no objections. He was represented by court-appointed attorney Arben Peçi.

Hoxha was arrested in England in October last year, while GJKKO had ordered him to be held in pre-trial detention the previous April.

The operation led to the detention of 105 people, 95 of whom were women employed to process the hashish. The greenhouse, owned by Hamdi Dyli, was divided into four sections, each covering two dynym. A total of 11 people were arrested, while the investigation also included 57 Berat police officers, among them senior officials. Seven officers were permanently dismissed from the police force.

After declaring that it lacked jurisdiction, the Berat Prosecutor’s Office referred the case to SPAK, arguing that the operation was run by two criminal groups. Several months ago, GJKKO sentenced 17 people to a combined 111 years and eight months in prison. The longest sentences, eight years and eight months each, were handed down to Sadetin Hasaj and Blerim Xheka, who are considered the two leaders of the criminal group.