As part of ongoing initiatives to combat illegal possession, misuse, and trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), via SEESAC, have supplied specialized equipment to the Albanian State Police.
The equipment handover ceremony took place in Tirana, attended by André Rizzo, the chargé d’affaires of the EU delegation in Albania, Randi Davis, the UNDP Resident Representative in Albania, and senior officials from the Ministry of Interior and Albanian police.
During the ceremony, Albanian Deputy Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari, emphasized that this significant donation not only supports the police but also signifies the strong partnership between the Government of Albania, the European Union, and UNDP, aimed at enhancing regional security and progressing towards EU integration.
The donated equipment is valued at $1,192,782 and has been financed by the European Union, based on the assessed operational requirements of Albania’s Border Police and Criminal Police services.
André Rizzo remarked, “The EU remains a steadfast and reliable partner in supporting the Albanian authorities, with a clear commitment to building a safer and more secure region.”
He noted Albania’s substantial progress in combating illegal weapon trafficking and improving institutional coordination.
“The provision of specialized equipment for the Border Police and Criminal Police of Albania, in relation to small arms and light weapons (SALW) control, is a tangible outcome of our collaborative efforts and a testament to our ongoing partnership,” Rizzo stated.
Included in the donation are metal detectors, thermal cameras, X-ray scanners, explosives kits, and crime scene kits, all of which will enhance the capabilities of Albanian authorities in gathering evidence, investigating incidents, and responding to firearm-related events more effectively.
Randi Davis, the UNDP Resident Representative in Albania, commented that with the strategic support from the European Union, the capabilities of the Department for Border and Migration, along with the Criminal Police, are being strengthened.
“This equipment improves detection capabilities, simplifies forensic analysis, and bolsters Albania’s initiatives against illegal arms trafficking and emergency responses, while also underscoring our shared commitment to fostering safer communities and addressing the significant impact of small arms and light weapons in the region,” Davis asserted. (July 4)
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