TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania's interior ministry says law enforcement staff will be vetted in the next two years as part of an effort to clean up the police.

Fighting organized crime and especially drug trafficking is a key challenge for Albania. The country has been a NATO member since 2009 and was granted European Union candidate status in 2014, hoping to launch membership negotiations this year.

Deputy Interior Minister Julian Hodaj on Tuesday said the checks, based on a law passed by lawmakers Monday, will cover 12,300 policemen and other law enforcement personnel.

As part of the checks, they will answer written questions relating to earnings, property and training.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Officers will have the option to leave the ranks in the first 30 days after the law is on the statute book.