Out of the three individuals initially accused in the case, one inmate, alleged to be the mastermind behind the drug trafficking operation, passed away in August.
The two defendants currently on trial face charges of aggravated drug trafficking as co-perpetrators.
The prosecution, led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, detailed how the deceased orchestrator employed a scheme to sell drugs, including heroin and hashish, by smuggling them into the Paços de Ferreira Prison during visiting hours. The two remaining defendants were allegedly tasked with storing the drugs as well as mobile phones used in the operation.
The prosecution claims one defendant concealed the drugs in a hole in his cell, referred to as “the well,” in exchange for some of the drugs for personal use. To repay for these drugs, he reportedly performed cleaning duties in the deceased mastermind’s cell.
In 2014, disciplinary action against this defendant led the now-deceased mastermind to distance himself from him, subsequently involving another inmate in the scheme.
This other inmate, serving time for homicide, reportedly participated in the drug trafficking operation by storing drugs among his belongings, receiving doses for personal use and hygiene products in return.
The prosecution asserts that the scheme generated approximately 14,000 euros in profit for the deceased mastermind, with the funds being deposited into an account managed by his girlfriend.
During the first session of the trial, both defendants remained silent, moving the process to the evidence phase.
The defendants have since been transferred, now serving time in Braga and Coimbra prisons, respectively.
The trial is set to continue on January 26.
