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Koha Jonë

E Shtunë, 24 qershor 2000

A storm of dismissals at Saranda Customs

Prime Minister Meta orders: Asset checks for all customs officers, how they acquired it, and after that, a request to the Prosecutor's Office for criminal prosecution Sent to the prosecutor's office for criminal prosecution: the former deputy director of Anti-smuggling, Arben Bajraktari
Nudo His Gjoni[?] Sarandë

Abandonment of customs officers

On Saturday morning, a year and nine months ago, it was a routine task for police inspector Saimir Kasmi to check a "Mercedez" parked in front of the police directorate. Now the Anti-smuggling offices report that he was in possession of 35 million gold napoleons, a considerable amount, especially by the standards of recent precious-metal thefts. That amount, a quarter of the gold that vanished from the Kërraba treasury, has catapulted this event to the attention of state leaders. It is becoming clear how tons of precious metals are being trafficked abroad by means of speedboats. This was all that was missing from the massacre in Vlorë. Given that the troubled year of 1997 was also shaped by the trafficking of gold stored in the Pashaliman tunnels and many earlier events, especially after this latest one in Saranda. He went Nudo. But how did it happen? On Saturday, nine officers from the police station and the traffic department went to the scene. Around 10 in the morning, the head of the traffic police sector, Ardi Dudushi, and the traffic director, Ago, together with the police station, went there. Slightly higher up on the road was a "Mercedez" moving. Inside they found seven bags of gold. All together in 84 packets. A small amount for something so rare? But when it was collected and weighed, it came to 35 kg. Accompanied by important people? No. At least not apparently. It is now said that the transport was being carried out under someone's orders. At the moment of the seizure, there were also customs workers there. The accompanying documents did not list any personal names. But who would take it? Suspicion first focused on the customs officers. The whole problem began when senior state leaders demanded accountability. In the corridors of the administration, the idea circulated that all employees of Saranda Customs should be dismissed. There is a whole network of people who have taken hold here, passing through unnoticed. The problem was unlocked when customs officials finally admitted that favors were being granted. It did not end there. During the last week, the tightening of control over Saranda also included the anti-smuggling sector. According to customs sources, it was necessary to answer at all costs where the shipment had come from. Today it is better understood why. A part of the chain that enabled the crossing was struck. Prime Minister Meta has announced that he will not stop there. There is now talk of asset checks for all employees, how they acquired their assets, and then a complaint to the prosecutor's office. Yesterday it was also announced that the former deputy director of anti-smuggling, Arben Bajraktari, would be prosecuted.
Saimir Kasmi Ardi Dudushi Ago Nudo His Gjoni[?] Sarandë Vlorë Pashaliman Kërrabë

page 7

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