Drug trafficking network based in São Brás
Authorities have dealt another blow to a drug trafficking network based in São Brás de Alportel, with four new alleged members joining the 17 who had already been held in preventive custody.
According to a statement by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Faro, five people (four men and one woman) were arrested on Friday, December 15 due to links to the drug ring and were heard in court. A 43-year-old woman and three men aged 25, 22, and 19 were remanded in preventive custody, while a 24-year-old man was ordered to report periodically to the police.
The drug ring was detected in 2022 and is accused of selling hashish, cocaine and heroine in São Brás de Alportel.
The alleged leader of the network, who was already in custody, would distribute the drugs among the other members, who were tasked with “selling directly to consumers or other resellers.” The statement also says one member was responsible for storing the drugs and collecting money from sales.
The first 17 arrests had been made on July 8, involving 14 men and three women aged between 19 and 60 who were believed to operate in the municipalities of São Brás de Alportel, Loulé, Faro, Olhão, and Tavira, all in the Algarve.
The arrests were the result of a year-long investigation by the GNR police’s Criminal Investigation Unit in Faro. Two women, aged 44 and 55, were also made suspects in drug trafficking during the operation.
A total of 22 searches were carried out in residences, vehicles, and commercial establishments, leading to the confiscation of 9,667 doses of heroin, 7,632 doses of cocaine, 2,855 doses of hashish, 258 doses, and 29 cannabis plants, six firearms, one compressed air gun, as well as other equipment linked to drug-dealing.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
