GNR seizes 5.3 tonnes of hashish and detains seven in the Algarve
Operation on the Guadiana River results in seven arrests and seizure of over 5,300 kg of cannabis resin. Three vehicles, two vessels and a pistol also recovered.
Operation on the Guadiana culminates in seven arrests and over five tonnes of drugs seized
The GNR detained seven men and seized 2,133 bundles of cannabis resin — approximately 5,320 kilograms — in an operation carried out on Saturday near the Guadiana River, in the Algarve, as announced by the security force. Google News PT — Crime (pt) reports the details released by the GNR's Coastal and Border Control Unit in a statement.
The operation was executed by military personnel from the Coastal Control sub-unit of Vila Real de Santo António, in the municipalities of Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim, in Faro district.
The alert came from the Spanish Guardia Civil, which detected "suspicious movements, in front of Costa Ezuri, in the Corte Velha area", in Azinhal, Castro Marim, "in the vicinity of ruins situated in national territory". As a result, the GNR launched "a surveillance and coastal control operation", with ground, maritime and air resources, with the aim of intercepting those involved and preventing drug trafficking via sea routes.
During the operation, several individuals became aware of the presence of military personnel and attempted to escape, first on foot, then in a light vehicle and in a vessel. The vehicle was intercepted with no occupants; the GNR's maritime resources succeeded in detaining the seven men who were aboard the fleeing vessel. The detainees are all of foreign nationality and are aged between 21 and 39 years. The GNR also identified another man who appears to be connected with the incident.
On Friday night, the eve of the main operation, a maritime patrol from the Coastal and Border Control Unit had already attempted to intercept a suspicious vessel linked to the same network. This vessel "reacted in a hostile manner" and attempted to ram the military personnel, before heading towards the Canela inlet, in Spanish territory. The suspects fled on foot via the Ayamonte marina, but the vessel was seized.
In addition to the 5,320 kilograms of hashish, three vehicles, two vessels, a pistol with magazine and ammunition, six mobile phones and over 1,000 euros in cash were also seized.
The operation was reinforced by Faro Territorial Command and the GNR's Intervention Unit, as well as receiving support from the Spanish Guardia Civil.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)