A man suspected of international drug trafficking and money laundering has been arrested in Santarém.
The arrest follows an investigation by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) that has been ongoing since January this year.
As part of this investigation, in April, “320 kilograms of cannabis leaves, vacuum-packed and concealed in the cargo of a heavy goods vehicle destined for Northern Europe,” were seized, according to a statement.
The 41-year-old suspect has a criminal record.
Authorities stated that the man is part of a “complex criminal organization” with “advanced technical means, employing counter-surveillance and monitoring tactics against the authorities.”
This organization is known for generating violence and “fostering other criminal activities,” linked to property and personal crimes, as well as money laundering, aiming to disguise illicitly obtained profits.
In the “13 searches conducted,” the PJ revealed that “three high-end passenger vehicles, a light commercial vehicle, two motorcycles, three GPS locators, three communication devices, and a high-value watch” were seized.
The detainee was brought before the competent judicial authority and was remanded in custody as a preventive measure.
