Six people believed to be linked to a violent local drug-dealing network have been arrested by the GNR military police in Olhão.
The arrests were made on Tuesday, November 18 after an eight-month investigation into trafficking in the area, the police force says in a statement to the press.
During the operation, GNR police carried out 13 searches across homes and vehicles in Olhão and Quelfes.
Among the drugs seized were hundreds of doses, including of cannabis, nitrous oxide, and some of the newer “designer” drugs now circulating in Europe. Officers found white hashish – a highly pure form first detected in France in September – and almost 500 doses of “pink cocaine,” a synthetic mix of dangerous substances.
“Pink cocaine has a synthetic treatment with different chemical mixtures, and white hashish also has a higher level of purity. These products are usually aimed at a higher-income market because of their price,” GNR spokesperson, Captain António Ramos, told SIC Notícias.
According to the military police force, the group under investigation had shown a growing pattern of violence. Captain Ramos reported “episodes of gratuitous violence against vulnerable people,” including homeless individuals, as well as the use of firearms with shots fired into the air.
Although five of the six members are young adults still living at home with their parents, police say several already have criminal records and experience in drug-related activity.
The GNR operation also led to the confiscation of a variety of weaponry, including two shotguns, a grenade casing, a hatchet and air rifles. Other valuables, including over €37,000 in cash, electronics, safes and scooters, were also seized.
Three of the suspects – a 20-year-old woman and two men, 18 and 19 – have been remanded in custody, while three others – all men, aged 20, 21 and 38 – must avoid contact with other suspected traffickers, report to police twice a week, and undergo drug screening and treatment if needed. They also have been prohibited from buying or owning weapons.
GNR believe the operation has dismantled the core of the group, but more arrests may follow. One suspect remains on the run, and investigators say they still have additional leads to pursue.
