The president of the panel of judges announced prison sentences for two men, one identified as the leader of the network, with sentences of six years and 10 months and five years and two months, respectively, for drug trafficking. A woman received a prison sentence of five years and 10 months for the same crime.
Additionally, 17 defendants were convicted for drug trafficking, receiving suspended sentences ranging from one to four years, acknowledging some cases as less severe. Three defendants were acquitted of all charges.
The judge emphasized that none of the newly issued sentences met the criteria for aggravated drug trafficking.
All sentences announced today are subject to appeal.
During the succinct reading of the verdict, the judge stated that most of the facts presented by the Public Prosecutor’s Office were proven. The telephone wiretaps, surveillance activities, and testimonies from police officers involved in the operation were crucial in determining the facts.
“The court is convinced that almost all defendants accused committed the acts listed in the charge,” the judge declared.
The defense of some defendants, claiming ignorance of their actions, was not deemed credible, and the testimonies provided by some defendants regarding the network’s operations were given weight.
As mitigating factors, the judge noted that nearly all defendants had no criminal records and were well-integrated professionally, family-wise, and socially.
All convicted individuals are prohibited from contacting persons associated with drug sales and from visiting locations linked to such activities.
Furthermore, a financial gain of 73,000 euros derived from drug sales was declared forfeited to the state.
As per the Public Prosecutor’s accusation, the defendants operated in parallel groups dedicated to buying and selling cocaine, heroin, hashish, and other substances in Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde, in the Porto district, as well as in Funchal, in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
