State Police Director General Skënder Hita has highlighted efforts to prevent cannabis cultivation and stop drug sales near schools in 2026, during a joint conference with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza.

Police identified 132,000 cannabis seedlings before cultivation, compared with 17,447 last year. Authorities also used 84 drones to monitor territory, while cooperation with Guardia di Finanza enabled 62 aerial missions, 10 more than in 2025. Military helicopter support helped officers inspect remote mountain areas on seven occasions.

Police also intensified action against indoor cannabis cultivation, disrupting 17 cases. Authorities arrested, detained or prosecuted 165 people in connection with drug cultivation.

To protect young people, police completed 31 operations targeting drug sales near school security perimeters. Hita stressed that effective prevention requires cooperation among police, the Education Ministry, school leaders, security officers, teachers and parents.

Looking ahead to 2027, police will strengthen inspections and investigations to identify networks importing drug seeds and target those organising and financing illegal cultivation.

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