Minister Lamallari Strengthens Territorial Controls and Increases Security Measures for the Tourism Season

The Ministry of the Interior presented priority measures to ensure security during the 2026 tourism season, strengthen territorial control, maintain public order, and combat illegality. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari warned of zero tolerance for legal violations and abuse of office.
At a press conference, Minister Lamallari announced that the State Police have prepared technical and organizational measures for the summer season to ensure public order and safety in tourist areas, on beaches, in mountainous regions, and at border crossings.
These measures include an increased police presence in tourist areas, bicycle patrols, and 12-hour shifts from July 1 to August 31, 2026. They also include the establishment of temporary police stations in popular tourist destinations, such as Valbona, Theth, Koman, Tale, Lalzi Bay, and Ksamil. The measures also provide for strengthened traffic control, increased counters and staff at airports, ports, and border crossings, and ensure the full functionality of the TIMS system.
In preparation for the tourism season, the State Police will collaborate with central and local institutions, maritime organizations, and tourism operators. Together, they will manage visitor flow, combat informality, and enforce safety standards. This includes monitoring maritime activities and noise pollution. The Maritime Police Unit will operate at full capacity, and joint patrols will be conducted with police forces from Kosovo, Montenegro, Italy, and North Macedonia to enhance security and facilitate tourist mobility.
Regarding territorial control and illegal construction, the minister emphasized that the National Inspectorate for Territorial Protection (IKMT) has increased field monitoring and technology use, including smart drones, to detect illegal construction and environmental damage in real time. He stated that, in April, 67 fines totaling approximately 122 million ALL were issued for violations identified in the area.
Minister Lamallari also mentioned the operation in Saranda, where the State Police and the Police Oversight Agency inspected procedures for preventing illegal construction. Preliminary investigations revealed police officers’ involvement in illegal activities, and the case has been referred to the justice system. The minister emphasized that any employee who abuses their position or collaborates with criminal elements will face legal consequences.
In the fight against the cultivation of narcotic plants, the State Police has strengthened its cooperation with the Italian authorities through an operational protocol with the Guardia di Finanza. From May 1 to October 31, 2026, 200 hours of aerial monitoring will be conducted across the entire territory using helicopters equipped with sensors. For the first time, aircraft will be used to identify high-risk areas. According to the initial monitoring report, suspicious coordinates were identified in Mallakastër on May 12, where approximately 300 suspected narcotic plants were discovered in two inspected areas.
The conference also addressed school safety measures. For the 2025–2026 school year, the State Police has implemented a special plan that includes risk assessments, an increased police presence near educational institutions, and the implementation of the “Youth Safety” program in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Currently, 330 security officers are active out of the 392 approved positions. Within the “Smart City” project, 21 Tirana schools have been selected to receive security cameras.
The minister presented an action plan to prevent fires during the summer aimed at increasing operational readiness and strengthening fire protection and rescue capacities. The plan includes patrols, territorial monitoring, inspections of high-risk tourist structures, and close coordination among responsible institutions for an immediate emergency response.
During the conference, Minister Lamallari referred to last week’s meeting with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi. They reaffirmed their countries’ cooperation in security, border management, fighting illegal migration, and addressing regional and European security challenges. He emphasized that Albania continues to actively contribute to migration management and the security of the continent.