OSCE strengthens regional co-operation in combating drug trafficking in South-Eastern Europe

“Synthetic opioids and cannabis diversion in South-Eastern Europe” is the topic of a two-day regional workshop that started today in Tushemisht, near Pogradec, Albania. The event is organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania, in close co-operation and with the support of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the U.S. Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program of the U.S. Embassy in Albania.

The workshop brings together senior officials from the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), the National Bureau of Investigation and the Albanian State Police, as well as representatives of police services and prosecutors from across South-Eastern Europe, EU member states, EU and UN agencies, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to address two growing security threats in the region: the proliferation of synthetic drugs and the diversion of legally cultivated cannabis into illicit markets.

Building on previous regional seminars held in Durrës in 2024 and 2025, the workshop aims to strengthen regional responses to emerging forms of drug trafficking. 

Discussions focus on current trends related to synthetic drugs, including fentanyl and nitazenes, which continue to pose an increasing threat globally.

Participants are exchanging operational information, best practices and analytical insights on challenges related to monitoring and controlling the legal cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, as well as mitigating the risks of diversion into criminal markets.

Recent legislative developments in several South-Eastern European countries allowing the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial use have introduced new vulnerabilities for regulatory and law enforcement authorities. In this context, the workshop provides a platform to identify gaps in national legal and regulatory frameworks and to discuss practical measures to address them.

Through this activity, participants contribute to strengthening regional co-operation networks, increasing awareness of trafficking trends, criminal modus operandi and trafficking routes, as well and improving information-sharing and institutional co-ordination across the OSCE area.

The OSCE will continue supporting national institutions and regional partners in strengthening capacities to combat organized crime and illicit drug trafficking.