After a seven-month investigation, officers of the criminal unit of the GNR in Tavira finally cornered a Cape Verde man living in Monte Gordo, who is believed to be the main supplier of heroin in the area between Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
Three other men were also arrested and a number of consumers identified, following a police raid on eight different properties in Monte Gordo, Olhão and Vila Real de Santo António, along with a search of four vehicles, two of which were confiscated.
Police found heroin sufficient for 600 doses and hashish for 130 doses along with €1,325 in cash.
The operation was the latest in a series of successful moves by the GNR in the battle to stamp out drug smuggling and trafficking in the Algarve.
A GNR spokesman said: “With this operation, the GNR is confident in believing we have dismantled one of the principal sources for the supply of heroin in the area of Vila Real de Santo António.”
The four detained suspects were due to appear in court at Faro last week.
