Sveçla at European anti-drug meeting in Italy: Kosovo Police arrested 961 suspects in 2025

Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, took part in a high-level meeting at the San Patrignano community in Italy. Organized as part of the European Coalition Against Drugs initiative, the meeting focused on preventing and treating drug addiction.

In a Facebook post, Sveçla said the meeting was chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and brought together senior European representatives. Their participation, he said, demonstrated a shared determination to confront this challenge.

Speaking on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, Sveçla said he had reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issue by bringing public security together with the protection of public health. He cited the 2024–2028 State Strategy Against Drugs, through which Kosovo aims to strengthen prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, with particular attention to young people and communities.

Sveçla said participants adopted a Joint Declaration, reaffirming their political and institutional commitment to joint action, with prevention, protection and the well-being of young people at its center.

According to the minister, tackling drugs requires both decisive action against criminal networks and support for people experiencing addiction. He said the Kosovo Police initiated 750 cases and arrested 961 suspects during 2025, results that, in his view, demonstrate its commitment to combating the phenomenon.

Sveçla added that Kosovo remains committed to deepening cooperation with European and international partners through information-sharing and joint action against organized crime. He described protecting citizens, especially young people, and creating a safer, healthier and more sustainable society for future generations as a shared goal.