TIRANA, Oct. 19 – To answer public concern over perceived impunity for marijuana growers and traffickers, the country’s armed forces could be used in the fight if necessary, Albania’s justice minister said this week.
Justice Minister Ylli Manjani said there is a widespread perception that not enough is being done to fight the widespread cultivation of marijuana in Albania and that a proportional response was needed.
“If it is necessary to give an effect in response, the army could get involved too,” Manjani said in a conference held in Tirana. “Me must give this message: We either get rid of this [marijuana cultivation] trend now, or we will never be able do it.”
A member of the junior party in the ruling coalition, Manjani’s comments are in contrast to the previous position of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has said the police are doing their job in fighting cannabis production.
Defense Minister Mimi Kodheli indicated Wednesday she was against any such involvement.
“The Armed Forces are a serious matter, and we must speak seriously about serious matters,” she told local media.
Albania’s government has come under criticism from the opposition for not doing enough to fight a growing trend of marijuana cultivation and trafficking.
Police have destroyed more than a million plants so far this year, but neighboring countries continue to report large amounts originating in Albania.
