After a trial spanning twelve weeks, an Albanian national, Ylli Didani, has been convicted by a federal jury in Detroit for his involvement in an international drug conspiracy. The charges against Didani include conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine on board a vessel under U.S. jurisdiction, and conspiracy to launder money.
United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. made the announcement alongside Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton of the DEA’s Detroit Division; Marty Raybon from U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Charles Miller from IRS-Criminal Investigations; and John Piggott of the Farmington Hills Police Department.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Didani led a drug trafficking organization with operations linked to the United States, South America, and Europe. He and his co-conspirators planned and financed cocaine distribution from various locations, including Michigan’s Eastern District. Large shipments were organized from South America to Europe but were intercepted by law enforcement before reaching their destination.
In 2019 and 2020 alone, authorities seized over 3,400 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $100 million from five freighters managed by Didani’s network.
Additionally, it was revealed that Didani’s group designed an underwater drone intended for transporting significant quantities of cocaine attached beneath commercial ships bound for Europe. This drone was equipped with advanced technology such as an underwater modem and GPS antenna for navigation purposes.
Following these convictions, Didani could face life imprisonment.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including DEA’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Group 6—comprising DEA agents along with officers from several police departments—and other federal bodies like IRS-CI and US Customs and Border Protection.
