Albanian police seize over 10 tonnes of marijuanaJune 19, 2014 - 10:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Albanian police have seized more than 10 tonnes of marijuana in a major operation against cannabis growers in the southern village of Lazarat, according to BBC News. Police say some 800 officers were needed to bring most of the village under control by Wednesday evening. One officer and two civilians have been injured in gunfire exchange, they add. Lazarat produces 900 tonnes of cannabis annually, worth some 4.5 bn euros ($6.1 bn) - equivalent to almost half of Albania's gross domestic product. Police have besieged the village, some 230km (140 miles) south of the capital Tirana, since Monday. They were met with heavily armed men firing rocket-propelled grenades and mortar shells. Smoke was seen rising above the village, with some eyewitnesses saying it was caused by locals burning marijuana plants before police closed in. Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri told the AP that the operation would continue until "every square centimeter in Lazarat is under state control". The operation comes as part of the new Socialist government's campaign to stamp out the marijuana economy in its bid to become part of the European Union. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Fly Arna license suspended, says Armenia official The license of the Armenian airline Fly Arna has been suspended for six months, an official says. President stresses Armenia’s clear position to achieve peace On the eve of the International Francophonie Day, the Armenian President met with French intellectuals. Termination of servicing of MIR cards. IDBank It will not be possible to ensure the full operation of MIR cards in IDBank’s POS-terminals and ATMs Pashinian meets border villagers on possible land transfer to Azerbaijan Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with concerned residents of two villages in Armenia’s northern Tavush province. |