Some bases also have shelters in the nearby hills. However, even if these provide good protection and are reasonably camouflaged, they also create problems for material storage because of the high humidity. These helicopters are charged also with coastal maritime patrol as well as search and rescue duties. At present, the threat posed by Albanians to Western countries is certainly not of a military nature but is more socio-economic. Young Albanians are emigrating at an alarming rate - during March 1995, the Italian police and coast guard stopped some 200 immigrants daily along the shores of the southern Adriatic, most being Albanians.
Criminal organizations represent another threat.
In northern Italy, Albanian gangs have already gained control over prostitution while, in the southeast, Albanian groups have come to a profitable agreement with the local mafia over smuggling across the Otranto channel. Many of the young gangsters are army deserters, while others are smuggling weapons stolen from army depots. Other activities which are growing involve the movement of hazardous waste. In late April 1995, an Albanian merchant ship was stopped close to Pescara and her master arrested, allegedly for having dumped nuclear waste in the Mediterranean. While the old Albania was totally isolated, the new country is forging fresh relationships.