The trial commenced with Judge João Salgueiro and the panel identifying all the defendants who are currently in pre-trial detention at a Lisbon prison.
The defendants, suspected members of an international drug trafficking network, were arrested in March 2023 in Albufeira during a police operation while transporting 1,200 kilograms of cocaine in a truck.
The six men, aged between 24 and 62, are from Brazil, Slovenia, Tunisia, and Portugal, and face charges of aggravated drug trafficking and criminal association.
At the start of the trial, the defense and two of the defendants criticized the investigation’s development and the way evidence was gathered and validated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, claiming that 80% of the crime was initiated by the Judicial Police (PJ) using an undercover ‘agent.’
In an introductory statement, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) acknowledged that the process heavily features covert evidence, which was authorized and judicially monitored, arguing the legality of the evidence and emphasizing the organized nature of the crime.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office indicated “there are indications” that the detainees are part of a criminal international organization transporting large cocaine quantities from South America, where it’s produced, to Europe, entering via Portugal.
The presiding judge began interrogating Tunisian Ayari Chokri, 65, while ensuring the absence of four other Portuguese-speaking defendants from the courtroom, a rare occurrence meant to prevent coercion by fellow accused.
Chokri claimed Egyptian nationality, but the accusation outlines his identity was confirmed through Tunisian fingerprints as being from that North African country, with outstanding international arrest warrants against him.
Chokri also faces document forgery and two counts of false statements, as he allegedly presented falsified documents upon arrest.
He denied any connections or involvement with a drug trafficking network, claiming only to have been contacted by ‘Miguel,’ the undercover agent’s alias, three years ago for a drug-related job contact.
He claimed ‘Miguel’ was persistent in finding someone to retrieve drugs from international waters.
During the initial trial session, the court heard only Chokri and a PJ inspector involved in surveillance operations, tracking suspects’ movements across Albufeira, Quarteira, Lisbon, and Fátima.
His role was limited to documenting movements and meetings, without hearing any conversations among them, yet he stated the suspects’ actions fit preparatory acts associated with drug trafficking.
The PJ operation led to the seizure of the drug, a heavy transport vehicle, communication equipment, money, documents, and other items.
The investigation was led by the Central Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DCIAP) in Lisbon, in cooperation with international police forces.
The second trial session is scheduled for September 22, at 1:45 PM.
