Two Albanian citizens have been convicted by the Criminal Court of Bourg-en-Bresse, in France, for involvement in a drug trafficking network operating in the Haut-Bugey region.
According to French media, the investigation by the Oyonnax judicial police began in March and was intensified over the summer through surveillance and field observations. Authorities suspect that the network used a WhatsApp account to communicate with clients, while meetings for drug sales took place in wooded areas near the communes of Echallon and Samognat.
The investigation began after an anonymous tip-off about a drug trafficking ring allegedly run by Albanian citizens. According to investigators, the way the narcotics were operated and packaged resembled a ring previously known as “Ronaldo”, raising suspicions that the activity may have been reactivated.
Arrest and seizure of drugs One of the convicted is Armando Rexhepi, 40 years old, who, according to investigators, was identified during his movements between Oyonnax and the points where drug distribution was suspected to be taking place.
At the time of the arrest, on September 14, authorities found 38 bags of heroin, weighing a total of 188 grams, as well as 12 doses of cocaine, weighing about 11 grams.
Rexhepi was sentenced to four years in prison. During the hearing, he admitted that he had made a mistake by repeating the crime, but stated that he had been taken advantage of by other people and that he was afraid of reprisals.
Enea Kica, 24, was also arrested in the same operation. He was stopped near a rented apartment, where authorities said significant quantities of drugs and materials suspected of being used for their packaging were found.
Two bags containing dozens of bags of heroin, 8,080 euros in cash, precision scales, cellophane and packaging bags were seized from the apartment. According to investigators, in total, more than 400 grams of pure heroin were found, as well as over two kilograms of mixing substances, identified as caffeine and paracetamol.
Kica denied involvement in the trafficking, stating that she had only stayed in the apartment for a few days and was unaware of the activity taking place there.
The court sentenced him to three years in prison and a permanent ban on staying on French territory.
Both convicts have been remanded in custody following the court’s decision.