Today: Apr 30, 2026
Subscribe
Login
·

EC: Albania’s narcotics business generates €260 mln annually

by
2 mins read
9 years ago
Change font size:

TIRANA, Nov. 24 – The narcotics business in Albania, which has thrived nationwide even after a mid-2015 police crackdown on the notorious marijuana growing Lazarat village, has a much higher share to the GDP compared to leading EU members, the European Commission warns in its latest progress report on Albania. The Commission estimates illicit proceeds of narcotics in Albania is equal to 2.6 percent of the GDP, about €260 million, only slightly lower compared to the 2.9 percent of the GDP the Albanian government plans to spend on the key health sector for 2017. “According to specialized UN bodies, profits…

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here

Story Highlights

  • "According to specialized UN bodies, profits from the illicit opiate trade continued to constitute considerable financial incentives for organized criminal groups in Albania. Illicit proceeds of narcotics account for a significant proportion of Albania’s GDP (2.60 percent, compared to 0.07-0.19 percent for countries such as France, Germany, Italy and United Kingdom)," says a European Commission report.

Latest from Business & Economy

Prof. Dr. Alaa Garad is President and Founding Partner of the Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation, University of Stirling Innovation Park, Scotland. He is actively engaged in health tourism, higher education and organisational learning across the Western Balkans, including the Global Health Tourism Leadership Programme in Albania.

Building a Trusted Health Tourism Ecosystem: Albania’s Next Competitive Advantage

·
Change font size: - + Reset by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the
1 month ago
7 mins read
Subscribe
Login