A 49-year-old suspect has been detained following a six-month investigation coordinated by the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) of Faro, related to illegal arms trafficking, mediation, and possession, according to the Public Security Police (PSP) in a statement.
The police operation, named “Magazine,” concluded on Tuesday with the execution of three search and seizure warrants in the Algarve municipality of Olhão.
During the operation, authorities confiscated six pistols, five revolvers, two sawn-off shotguns, an air pressure weapon, an alarm gun, an automatic-opening knife, an extendable baton, a silencer, a shotgun barrel, 13 magazines, and a revolver drum, as specified by the police.
Additionally, 11,741 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, 13,000 euros, and a mobile phone were seized.
The PSP stated that the detainee, a Portuguese national, is scheduled for a first judicial interrogation today for the possible application of preventive measures.
The police explained that this investigation stemmed from a case of trafficking, mediation, and modification of firearms, which culminated in March 2024 with the operation “Bala Perdida II.”
At that time, 14 individuals were arrested, and 107 firearms, over 18,000 rounds of various calibers, and various related materials were seized, according to the PSP.
“The PSP is confident that with this investigation, along with the extensive collection of evidence and the execution of this disruptive action, they were able to put an end to this illicit activity,” stated the police note.
