Cocaine seizures in Portugal increased by 20.6% in 2025, while the total quantity confiscated increased 11.4% compared with 2024, according to new figures released by Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária (PJ) criminal police.
In total, authorities seized 25.63 tonnes of cocaine in 1,984 operations, with 95% of the drug entering the country by sea.
The data comes from a report titled Combate ao Tráfico de Estupefacientes em Portugal (Combating Drug Trafficking in Portugal), which also states that Brazil is the main entry route for cocaine arriving in Portugal.
Police arrested 1,773 people in connection with cocaine trafficking last year, mostly individuals aged over 40. The number of people involved in trafficking cases increased by 15.7%, while arrests rose by 14.2% compared with 2024.
Most suspects were men (89.2%), and 73% were Portuguese nationals, followed by citizens of Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Spain.
Archipelagos record largest cocaine seizures
The largest quantities of cocaine were seized in Portugal’s island regions, particularly the Azores with 8,803 kg, followed by Madeira with 7,526 kg.
On the mainland, the biggest seizures were recorded in Porto (3,122 kg) and Lisbon (3,000 kg), followed by Setúbal with 1,750 kg.
When it comes to the number of seizures, the districts with the most cases were Lisbon (701), Porto (353), Faro (243), Setúbal (184) and Aveiro (84). Aveiro entered the top five this year, replacing Coimbra.
Cannabis seizures also surge
Authorities also reported a major increase in hashish seizures, with 14,879 kg confiscated in 2025 – a 102.6% increase compared with the previous year.
However, the number of cannabis seizures fell slightly by 1%, with 39 cases recorded.
The average amount seized per operation rose to 3.38 kg, more than double the 1.65 kg average recorded in 2024.
As with cocaine trafficking, maritime routes remain the main entry point for cannabis shipments arriving in Portugal.
