Indictment against 9 people over more than one ton of cannabis in Peja following September 2024 operation

An extensive anti-drug operation led by prosecutor Ersan Qavolli resulted in the seizure of more than one ton of drugs in Peja in September 2024.

Two years after the operation, the Serious Crimes Department at the Peja Basic Prosecution Office has filed an indictment against nine people suspected of cultivating and trafficking narcotic substances, as well as committing other criminal offenses.

Although he had received death threats, Qavolli continued the investigation until the case was fully resolved, turning it into one of the largest anti-drug operations in Kosovo.

During searches conducted on September 27, 2024, a total of 2,850 cannabis sativa plants were discovered on two plots of land in the villages of Kliqinë and Sferkë. They had been used to produce cannabis sativa narcotics, with a total weight of more than 1,035 kilograms and 712 grams, which the Kosovo Police seized after executing the search warrant.

The drugs, which are suspected of having been intended for the international market, were valued at approximately 5 million euros. The operation to seize and destroy them lasted around 14 hours.

Local institutions from Peja took part in the operation, including the Prosecution Office and the Police, as well as central structures, including the Special Operations Unit and other relevant teams.

According to reporting by IndeksOnline, the indictment filed today includes Eldi Mykajn, Erion Etemajn, Engjelush Ibrahimin, Klodian Qoklin, Shkëlqim Xhijan, Mirjon Qoklin, Istref Bajramin, Liridon Hazirajn and Enver Hasanin.

In addition to the charges related to narcotics, one of the defendants is also charged with the criminal offense of “Counterfeiting currency.” Another is accused of “Unauthorized possession, control or ownership of weapons,” after a long AK-47 rifle, along with ammunition, was found and seized during the search.

The Basic Prosecution Office in Peja has stated that it will continue its efforts in the fight against criminal offenses related to narcotics and will take all legal measures against people suspected of involvement in such activities.