In the early hours of this morning, Portuguese authorities arrested four men and seized around four tonnes of hashish in a major anti-drug trafficking operation off the coast of Setúbal.
One of those arrested is “in the process of being expelled from Portugal”, said a statement released by GNR police.
The operation, carried out by the GNR’s Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF), led to the seizure of 101 bales of hashish, two boats and 10 jerry cans, four of which still contained fuel.
The four suspects, aged between 26 and 66, were arrested after officers intercepted two boats believed to have been involved in a maritime drug smuggling operation.
They are due to appear before the Setúbal Judicial Court later on Saturday for their first judicial hearing, where bail, or otherwise, will be determined.
Authorities highlighted that one of the detainees was already in the process of being expelled from Portugal, adding a further dimension to the investigation.
According to Lisbon Coastal Control Detachment commander Pedro Marujo, the operation began on Friday night when the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC) detected a high-speed vessel heading towards the entrance to the Port of Setúbal.
The vessel was monitored continuously, allowing officers to identify what appeared to be a cargo transfer between the speedboat and two smaller craft.
Marujo said the suspected transhipment strongly indicated drug trafficking, prompting an immediate multi-agency interception operation.
In a statement, the GNR said maritime, land and aerial units worked together to intercept the first vessel, arresting its two occupants and seizing the drugs and fuel on board.
The second boat attempted to flee but was eventually intercepted near the Tróia Peninsula. Its two crew members were also arrested, while officers seized the vessel along with its cargo of drugs and fuel.
The investigation is continuing as authorities work to identify the wider criminal network behind the attempted shipment.
Source: LUSA
GNR seize around four tonnes of hashish off coast of Setúbal; arrest four