“This is an investigation targeting sophisticated operations, evident from the seized volume of hashish, utilised weapons, and money. It required resilience, dedication, and meticulous attention to investigation procedures,” stated Rui Costa, commander of the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC), at a press conference summarising a drug trafficking operation in the Greater Lisbon area.
During this operation, conducted by the PSP between Friday and Monday in Alcácer do Sal and the municipalities of Almada, Sintra, Seixal, and Montijo, seven individuals were detained and remanded in custody. Authorities seized 5,800 kilograms of hashish, valued on the illicit market at several million euros, nine firearms including two machine guns, 580,000 euros, two speedboats, and six other vessels.
The DIC commander emphasized that the operation involved a “highly sophisticated organization,” requiring police officers to be “highly armed and reinforced” during interventions and procedural actions.
Rui Costa noted that the criminal group possessed submachine guns, ammunition, signal jamming equipment, and various self-protection measures, such as dangerous breed dogs and video surveillance.
Highlighting the complexity of the operation, the DIC commander remarked that this investigation differs from the hundreds of operations typically conducted by the PSP nationwide.
“This required additional effort in resource reinforcement, technicality, support, and supervision,” he stated, adding that the investigation will continue and may have international connections.
Luís Elias, the commander of the PSP’s Lisbon Metropolitan Command, mentioned that the defendants are “strongly suspected of being part of a criminal organization dedicated to acquiring large quantities of hashish for subsequent sale in the Greater Lisbon area.”
Luís Elias also noted that the suspects used facilities for storing the narcotics, strategically located to facilitate transportation by water and possessing weaponry, communication equipment, and logistical support, indicative of a high degree of sophistication and danger.
According to the Cometlis commander, the investigation was carried out by the PSP over the past eight months under the direction of the Lisbon Department of Investigation and Penal Action.
When questioned about conducting the investigation independently of the Judiciary Police, who are legally mandated to investigate drug trafficking, Luís Elias responded: “The inquiry direction falls under the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The PSP, as a criminal police body, conducted the entire inquiry, these investigations, under the MP’s direction, adhering to established protocols.”
He further stated that “the identities of the main suspects were communicated to the PJ in a timely manner.”
Through this operation, the PSP is convinced that they “successfully interrupted the hashish distribution flow to criminal networks throughout the country.”
The seven detainees, aged between 27 and 50, some with criminal records, are indicted for aggravated drug trafficking, criminal association, and possession, use, and carrying of prohibited weapons.
