Drugs, knives seized in surprise police raid in Avlona prison

Improvised knives and small quantities of drugs were seized by members of the Crime Prevention and Suppression Team (OPKE) in Avlona prison, north of the capital, late on Wednesday night.

The officers, backed by a riot police unit, entered the prison to carry out a surprise raid at 11 p.m. and searched all prisoners’ cells.

Authorities found 19 crowbars, 35 improvised swords and screwdrivers, small quantities of heroin and cannabis, and 18 mobile phones.

The five-hour operation was ordered after a clash between Arabic-speaking prisoners and Albanians earlier this month.