„Më mirë të dish se të (mos) kesh“
Better to know than (not) to have
For years, young Albanians have been leaving their country in alarming numbers to seek their fortune in Europe, including the work as drug couriers. Weak governance, corruption, lack of prospects and a dismal health and education system are the main reasons. Further may also young people's willingness to take risks, criminal family ties and an appetite for quick money contribute.
Careers in the drug business are promoted in the home country. The young crime tourists come from low socio-economic backgrounds, are often poorly educated and are deliberately misinformed about the risks. It is usually not long before they are arrested, the promised profits do not materialise, the prison sentences are much longer than expected, and the situation after their deportation back home is bleaker than before. The realisation that precious years of youth have been wasted and that the court decisions will deny them any chance of education or work in the Schengen area for years to come is devastating.
The imprisonment of the 175* Albanian prisoners known to the TCPI organisation in just two Swiss prisons alone cost around CHF 40 million. Investing even a tiny fraction of these costs in the prevention of Albanian crime tourism will not only save a lot of money, but it also means that Albania will lose less of its much-needed labour force and that potential offenders will not waste their youth in European prisons, where they are further criminalised.
*Up to August 2024 (lak 2015-2024)
The establishment of rapport and mutual trust built over years, enables TCPI to collaborate with suitable preventioneers (former prisoners). They conduct visits to vocational - and high schools, informing and reporting on their experiences of incarceration and its impact. They present alternatives and raise the awareness of the immediate environment such as parents and teachers.
The prevention candidates are trained, supported, and their identity is protected. If even just 1% of the target audience is prevented from following in the footsteps of ex-offenders, the personal fates of entire families can be significantly enhanced, and both economic and social damage can be substantially reduced. Moreover, like this, considerable sums on detention costs can be saved in Europe.
Following the completion of their sentence and subsequent deportation, former prisoners are frequently confronted with a life in shambles. The accumulation of debts, poverty, stigmatisation, a lack of prospects and the formation of criminal ties during imprisonment all contribute to an increased risk of reoffending. However, the responsible and reasonably paid work of a preventioneer makes it possible to build a future in the country of origin, provides orientation and meaningful employment, promotes prosocial contacts and activities and thus reduces the risk of reoffending.
Awareness of alternative options and on-site programmes allows preventioneers to assist former prisoners in preparing for their reintegration.
A swan folded out of paper by learner 387, 33 years old, 1 year imprisonment, narcotics