The Funchal City Council has confirmed the search of work equipment and facilities where a long-standing street cleaner, recently detained by the police under suspicion of trafficking illegal substances, performed his duties. This statement follows reports of last week’s police operation in central Funchal.
The Public Security Police (PSP) revealed today that a man was arrested last week in Funchal as part of an investigation into drug trafficking, misuse of public assets, and abuse of power.
According to the police, the investigation has been ongoing for about a year and focused on an individual who allegedly sold substances presumed to be alpha-PHP and/or alpha-PiHP, synthetic drugs.
The PSP conducted both residential and non-residential searches, as well as data and document seizures, including electronic communication records.
Authorities seized various doses of narcotics, money suspected to be from drug sales, a mobile phone, and multiple prohibited weapons during the operation.
The vehicle used by the suspect, a car belonging to the Funchal municipality, was also seized and later returned to its owner.
Following a judicial hearing, the suspect was released pending the results of toxicology tests on the seized substances.
The Funchal City Council has suspended a member of its Environment department following allegations of trafficking drugs using a municipal vehicle, according to the council’s spokesperson.
The municipality, initially only confirming the initiation of a disciplinary procedure and the suspension of the employee, now states it has acted promptly upon learning of the employee’s conduct. The council emphasized its lack of authority in criminal investigations, which are the responsibilities of the judicial and police bodies.
The disciplinary procedure remains confidential by legal standards, with the employee barred from entering the workplace or accessing any municipal equipment.
The city council assured its full cooperation with judicial and police authorities since the incident became known, facilitating required actions, including the recent search of the employee’s personal motorcycle at municipal facilities.
Governed by the PSD/CDS coalition, the council criticized the opposition coalition Confiança, led by the PS, for issuing a statement demanding explanations on the matter. The council condemned what it described as “political populism and opportunism.”
The incident was labeled as an isolated matter that could happen with any employee in a public or private entity.
The council also accused Confiança of potentially undermining the council’s reputation and the dedication of its approximately 1,800 employees, as well as the municipal executive’s integrity.
