The security force released the operational results of a series of inspections, policing, and crime-fighting actions carried out between August 29 and Friday in the municipality of Albufeira, in the Faro district, stating that, of the 16 people arrested, 15 were men, aged between 22 and 59 years, and one was a 39-year-old woman.
The arrests were made “within the scope of operational reinforcement aimed at promoting public safety and tranquility” in the Algarve city, the GNR stated.
Arrests were made for theft in commercial establishments, drug trafficking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving without a legal license, specified the GNR in a statement.
Other reasons for arrests include irregular entry and stay in national territory, domestic violence, serious bodily harm, qualified disobedience, aggravated threat, and aggravated insults, the GNR further noted.
The security force also highlighted that during the aforementioned police actions, 13 cannabis plant branches, 11 doses of hashish, five airtight bags, a cannabis plant, a mobile phone, and 1,260 euros in cash were seized.
The GNR reported that all those arrested were charged and the facts were forwarded to the judicial court of the Algarve city.
On July 28, the Albufeira City Council announced it would have an additional 40 GNR officers starting that week, and thanked the government for positively responding to the request, which had been made by the mayor, José Carlos Rolo, to the Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral.
The reinforcement was intended to enhance security in Albufeira, one of the main tourist destinations in the country, which had been in focus in previous weeks due to disturbances caused by tourists.
Despite the request for additional police, the municipality’s president has always denied an increase in crime in the area, arguing that crime statistics per capita do not reflect the population increase, which quadruples during the summer due to visitors.
The municipality rejects the increase in crime but acknowledges that the population surge increases the risk of disturbances, often influenced by excessive alcohol consumption, and the police reinforcement helps to minimize the sense of insecurity among residents and respond more effectively to potential incidents.
