Police arrest suspect in two drug operations in Albania

Albanian police seized 313 kilograms (690 pounds) of marijuana waiting to be transported to neighboring Italy or Greece, a statement said Thursday. A police operation Wednesday evening found the drugs in a speedboat in the Karaburun Bay, 150 kilometers (90 miles) south of the capital, Tirana.

Police had made no arrests so far, it added. In a separate case police arrested an 18-year old man, identified as Leonard Zeraj, for selling heroin and marijuana.

Fighting organized crime and trafficking has become a top priority for the Albanian police as it tries to join the European Union and NATO.

Police corruption and lax border controls have led to Albania's becoming a producer of marijuana and a common transit point for smugglers moving other drugs, reports the AP. I.L.