BE, over 1 million dollars in specialized equipment for the Albanian police against arms trafficking

In the context of ongoing efforts in the fight against illegal possession, misuse, and trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through SEESAC, delivered specialized equipment to the Albanian State Police.

At the handover ceremony, organized in Tirana, André Rizzo, the chargé d’affaires of the EU delegation in Albania, and Randi Davis, the UNDP Resident Representative in Albania, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Albanian police, participated.

The Albanian Deputy Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari, said during the ceremony that this valuable donation is not just support for the police forces, but represents evidence of the strong partnership between the Government of Albania, the European Union, and the implementing partner, UNDP, to contribute to regional security and to move forward on the path to EU integration.

The donated equipment has a total value of 1,192,782 US dollars and has been financed by the European Union, following the assessment of the operational needs of the Border Police and Criminal Police services in Albania.

“The EU remains a steadfast and reliable partner in efforts to support the Albanian authorities through a clear commitment: to help build a safer and more secure region,” said André Rizzo, the Chargé d’Affaires of the EU delegation in Albania.

According to him, Albania has made significant progress, particularly in the context of the fight against the illegal trafficking of weapons and increasing institutional coordination.

“The delivery of specialized equipment for the Border Police and Criminal Police of Albania, in the context of small arms and light weapons (SALW) control, is a concrete result of our joint efforts and a symbol of our ongoing partnership,” Rizzo stated.

Metal detectors, thermal cameras, and X-ray scanners, as well as explosives kits and crime scene kits, are all valuable equipment that will enhance the ability of Albanian authorities to gather evidence, conduct investigations, and respond to firearm incidents more effectively.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Albania, Randi Davis, stated that through the strategic support of the European Union, the capacities of the Department for Border and Migration, as well as the Criminal Police, are strengthened.

“This equipment enhances detection capabilities, simplifies forensic analysis, and improves Albania’s efforts in the fight against illegal arms trafficking and response to urgent cases, while also highlighting our shared commitment to building safer communities and addressing the deep impact of small arms and light weapons across the region,” Davis declared. (July 4)