The PSP arrested 68 people between Saturday and today, as part of pre-World Youth Day operations, most for road crimes, especially driving under the influence of alcohol, and seized more than 200 individual doses of drugs and 22 weapons.
According to a statement from the PSP released early this morning, the arrests took place “in the last 24 hours as part of the police operations being carried out at national level in a pre-Journey context”.
Of the 68 arrests, 45 were for road crimes (34 for drink driving and 11 for driving without a legal license).
Seven people were also arrested for drug trafficking, three for property crimes (burglary and theft), and three for trafficking or illegal possession of a prohibited weapon.
As part of the operation, the PSP also complied with three judicial arrest warrants.
Regarding seizures, police confiscated 22 weapons, including five firearms and 12 bladed weapons, and more than 230 individual doses of narcotics, mostly cannabis and cocaine.
In terms of road safety, 125 accidents were recorded in the same period, resulting in 60 injuries: one serious and 59 slight.
During World Youth Day (WYD), when thousands of pilgrims are expected, leading to traffic constraints and limitations, the police warn of the importance of planning travel in advance, suggesting avoiding the use of their own car.
When traveling on foot or by public transport, the PSP advises moving in single file along sidewalks or roadsides opposite the direction of traffic, with clearly visible clothing and without headphones, and buying transport tickets in advance, to avoid queues.
The areas with road traffic restrictions can be found at https://www.lisboa.pt/circulacao-jmj.
Thousands of pilgrims have been in the country for the past few days for activities prior to WYD, which takes place in Lisbon between August 1 and 6, making it the largest event of the Catholic Church.
